Details
01
When?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The exact program dates will be communicated with the student after acceptance, but generally occur around academic calendar break times, though may occur at other times throughout the year depending on student interest and availability of the instructor and the hospital host.
02
Cost
There is one-time a program fee of $5,000 which must be received in full in advance of the experience. Airfare, lodging, meals, transportation and excursions are a separate responsibly of the student. However, guidance on logistics can be provided.
03
Length
Students will work a minimum of 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks for a total of 120 hours, under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Additional hours required for service projects will vary.
04
About the Practicum
A child life practicum is an introductory pre-internship experience for individuals pursuing a career as a child life specialist. The practicum can provide valuable knowledge through observation of child life specialist interventions, as students begin to engage in independent play and developmentally supportive interventions with infants, children, and youth, while supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
CAPES students can expect:
1. Weekly journaling.
2. Assigned readings.
3. Weekly one-on-one mentorship meeting with a CCLS & group meetings with peers.
4. Service projects.
5. Internship interview preparation.
6. Formal evaluation and feedback.
* Please note, a child life practicum is not the same as a child life internship. A practicum is a pre-internship experience. While the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) does not require a practicum as a prerequisite to sit for the certification exam, individual hospitals may prefer it of their intern applicants.