child life practicum

Dayton Children’s is pleased to offer a child life practicum for college students pursuing the child life profession. This practicum is a 140+ hour observational experience (2 days a week for 12 weeks; 3 rotations) that is designed for students who have or are currently obtaining a degree in child life or any other major that is approved by the Association of Child Life Professionals. Please note, we will not have a fall practicum for 2021. 

• Summer practicum applications are due January 5
• Winter/Spring practicum applications are due September 5 

download application

Mail completed applications and the requested files in the application to:

Child Life Practicum Coordinator
Child Life Department
Dayton Children's Hospital
1 Children’s Plaza
Dayton, OH 45404

Questions regarding the practicum or application? Contact Katelyn Shellabarger.

prerequisities for applying to the child life practicum

• Completed a minimum of 3 courses in child life or related coursework (see recommended coursework below)
• Minimum junior level college status with a 3.0 or higher GPA
• Completed a minimum of 50 hours of working with children in a hospital setting, medical fragile daycare, or camp for children with medical needs
• Completed a minimum of 50 hours working with well children
• Application packet must include:
  • Application
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Proof of work with children

practicum goals and objectives

• To gain an introduction to the Child Life profession in general, and to become acquainted with the Child Life Department at Dayton Children’s
• To have the opportunity to observe interactions with patients on a one-to-one basis and in group situations.
• To experience an accepting, non-threatening environment to promote healthy interactions between child, staff, and family.
• To gain an initial acquaintance with the needs of hospitalized children and to observe creative and flexible programming in meeting these needs.
• To observe advocacy for children and families in their interaction with the health care system.
• To see children prepared medical experiences through the use of books, medical equipment and play.

practicum responsibilities

• Daily journal of hospital experiences
• Weekly journal reading. Include short summary in your journal.
• Plan and implement group activity time
• Observation of procedures
• Attend staff meetings, patient planning rounds, in-services
• Developmental observations

potential observational experiences

• Medical Play: Individual and group play experiences centered on a patient's hospitalization.
• Preparation: Individual teaching and play experience provided to patients regarding specific medical treatments and procedures.
• Coping and distraction: Techniques and activities offered to patients and families during hospitalization and specific medical experiences to assist with comfort and control.
• Diversional and recreational play: Programming for normalization offered to patients and siblings throughout hospitalization.

recommended reading list

These books are available from the Association of Child Life Professionals or can be ordered through Amazon.com.

• Gaynard, L. et al. (1990). Psychosocial Care of Children in Hospitals: A clinical practice manual from the ACCH child life research project. Bethesda, MD: Association for the Care of Children's Health.
• Bolig, R. Mahan, C. (2005) Meeting Children's Psychosocial Needs Across the Healthcare Continuum Austin, Texas: Pro.Ed.

• Thompson, Richard. (2009) The Handbook of Child Life, A Guide for Pediatric Psychosocial Care, Charles C, Thomas, Publisher, Springfield, IL

recommended course work

• Child Life - Child Development
• Family Development
• Human Development
• Family Dynamics
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Sociology
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Death & Dying
• Ethics
• Cultural Diversity (courses in world religions or that pertain to a single culture do not fall into this category)
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology

We would encourage you complete a Course Work Review Application through the Association of Child Life Professionals website