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Child Life Practicum Program

Twice a year, the Child Life Department offers applicants the opportunity to apply for the training program that introduces individuals to the child life field and have the opportunity to observe infants, children and adolescents in a health care setting.

The Child Life practicum is designed to familiarize the practicum student with the child life profession through observation and supervised participation. Each student will be under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist and must complete 100 hours.

Below, you'll find the program description including a list of pre-requisites and expectations, a list of materials required with the application, and the application form.

Application submission deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall Practicum (Sept - Nov):  Postmark Deadline June 15th
  • Spring Practicum (Feb - May): Postmark Deadline November 15th

Due to the expectation that we provide students with quality supervision and education during the practicum, a limited number are accepted per semester.

If you have any questions, please call the Child Life 0ffice at 518-262-3496

Program Components:

  • Observation of inpatient and outpatient child life services
  • Observation of Music Therapy and Pet Therapy services
  • Facilitate group and individual divisional and therapeutic activities
  • Observe medical play, medical preparation and procedural support/distraction to gain a better understanding of the role of a child life specialist

Practicum Objectives:

  • Increase knowledge of the child life profession
  • Recognize the value of play and psychosocially supportive interventions
  • Recognize various coping styles and techniques of children, adolescents, and family members during hospitalization
  • Develop communication skills with children from infancy to adolescence and family members in the health care setting
  • Observe interactions with members of the interdisciplinary team
  • Identify ways to integrate knowledge with practice
  • Enhance knowledge of growth and development in children and adolescents

Program Pre-requisites:

  • Minimum of junior year status in bachelor degree program
  • Coursework (a minimum of five college-level courses) in the related fields such as: Child Life, Recreational Therapy, family studies, psychology, counseling, expressive therapies, child/human development and education
  • 75 hours of experience working with children from infants through adolescents

Expectations:

  • Complete a minimum of 100 hours
  • Present self in a professional manner and demonstrate welcoming behaviors, professional boundaries, a positive attitude and the ability to take initiative
  • Develop three written goals for practicum experience
  • Observe inpatient and outpatient program areas under the supervision of the Child Life Specialist(s)
  • Complete all tasks and assignments in a timely manner

To be considered for placement, you must submit the following application materials to:

Albany Medical Center
Child Life Department D710
43 New Scotland Ave
Mail Code 73
Albany, NY 12208

Materials needed:

  • Completed application form
  • A 200-word essay (maximum) that answers the following questions:
    1. How did you become interested in the field of child life?
    2. Describe the role of a child life specialist.
    3. In what ways do you expect your practicum experience will enhance your professional goals?
    4. Why would you like to complete your practicum at Albany Med?
  • Two letters of recommendation, from non-relatives who have seen you work with children and/or adolescents and can speak about your motivation, initiative, adaptability and skill set that relates to your work with children. Letters must be signed by the recommender.
  • Description of requirements, hours required for experience and the role of the university supervisor must be included if the practicum is to be completed for
    academic credit or in fulfillment of any academic requirements.
  • Unofficial transcript (minimum of four classes in relevant coursework)
  • Resume that contains a list of the total number of hours completed for each relevant work or volunteer experience.

Please download and fill out the linked application form:

Child Life Practicum Program Application Form

Return completed application and materials to:
Albany Medical Center
Child Life Department, D710
43 New Scotland Ave
Mail Code 73
Albany, NY 12208