Child Life Practicum
The child life practicum at Valley Presbyterian Hospital provides an opportunity for students to shadow the Child Life Specialists, observe the roles, responsibilities and impact that this profession has on hospitalized children. The practicum allows students to apply concepts and theories learned in the classroom and apply them to child life practice in the healthcare setting.
Educational Objectives
- Increase knowledge of the child life profession and the child life specialist’s role in the hospital.
- Gain an awareness of the developmental needs of hospitalized children and how medical and therapeutic play benefits the patients.
- Develop an understanding for the purpose and value of medical preparation and distraction during procedures.
- Understand how hospitalization impacts the entire family and the importance of family centered care.
- Familiarize student with the healthcare environment and common diagnoses.
- Learn how to collaborate as a member of the multi-disciplinary team.
Practicum requirements
- Must be affiliated with a college or university
- Must be working towards or completed a degree in child development or related field
- Completion or currently enrolled in class taught by certified child life specialist
- Completion of 5 classes in child life, child development, psychology or related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- Preferred experience working with well children and experience in the hospital environment
Application requirements
- Completed application
- Resume and cover letter
- Educational Transcripts (Official transcripts)
- 3 Letters of recommendation (2 professional, 1 personal)
- All potential applicants should download and carefully review the Practicum Application Packet prior to application submission. Click here to download packet.
Postmark deadlines for application submission
- Fall - June 5th
- Spring - October 5th
- Summer - No summer practicum offered
Ways to Submit Applications
Mail: Valley Presbyterian Hospital
Attn. Harmony Jackson
15107 Vanowen Street
Van Nuys, CA 91405
Email: harmony.jackson@valleypres.org
Fax: 818.904.3722
Please note, all completed materials must be submitted together, with no covers or bindings. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
