Child Life Practicum

1. Enrollment in an accredited Child Life education, child development, psychology, or related program.
2. Students typically must be able to earn practicum credit through their academic institution.
3. Background checks, immunizations, and compliance with hospital onboarding requirements (e.g., HIPAA training) are required.

The Child Life Practicum at Lurie Children’s Hospital provides students with real-world, supervised clinical experiences in pediatric psychosocial care. Practicum participants work alongside Child Life Specialists to support hospitalized children and families through therapeutic play, preparation for medical procedures, coping skill development, and developmental-appropriate activities. The practicum emphasizes applying Child Life principles within multidisciplinary teams, advocating for child- and family-centered care, and understanding children’s developmental needs in healthcare environments. Students complete structured observations, participate in hospital programs (e.g., playrooms, bedside support, procedural preparation), and may contribute to patient education materials or special department projects. The practicum enhances professional skills, builds confidence interacting with patients, and provides a foundation for future Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) training.