Child Life Practicum
Duration: 6 Month(s)
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Course TypeTraining
Course Specialty
Child Psychology
Overview
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.
Admission Intake
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Fee (INR):
-
Stipend (INR):
No stipend is provided — this is a supervised observational and applied training experience rather than salaried employment.
Accomodation:
At Your Own
Scholarship:
-
Eligibility
- Enrollment in an accredited Child Life education, child development, psychology, or related program.
- Students typically must be able to earn practicum credit through their academic institution.
- Background checks, immunizations, and compliance with hospital onboarding requirements (e.g., HIPAA training) are required.
Minimum Education
MD PediatricsMD PsychologyBSc Clinical Psychology
Admission Process:
- Contact the Child Life department at Lurie Children’s to inquire about practicum availability.
- Submit a practicum placement application including a current resume, cover letter, academic transcript, and references.
- Submit required health and compliance documentation (background check, immunization records, TB test, and any other hospital onboarding requirements).
- Participate in a screening interview with Child Life staff (if required).
- Confirm practicum schedule coordinated between the student, the hospital, and the academic institution.
- Begin practicum with orientation and assignment to clinical Child Life activities.
