The Child Life practicum program at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is offered to students interested in becoming more familiar with the Child Life profession. It is an optional, introductory experience for individuals pursuing a career in Child Life.  At this hospital, the practicum program is conducted under the supervision of a Certified Specialist (CCLS) and is typically completed during or after some of the relevant child development coursework has been completed but prior to a Child Life internship. The goal of this practicum experience is to provide students with the opportunity to further enhance their exposure to the profession by observing the work of a CCLS and to gain firsthand experience in how developmental theory is integrated into therapeutic interventions for the hospitalized child and family. Additionally, the program promotes greater understanding of the coping needs of children and their families and how a CCLS can best support them during hospitalization. Due to the high number of requests received each year, this opportunity does require an application and review.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum of 100 documented hours of experience working directly with children and/or teens
• Completion of or actively enrolled in Child Life course taught by a CCLS
• Currently a junior/senior undergraduate student, graduate student or have graduated
• GPA of 3.0 or greater

Application Requirements:

• Completed application in a single mailing envelope, postmarked by the due date listed below
• University transcripts (can be unofficial)
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from people who know your work with children
• Professional resume (indicating work with children)
• Completion of Volunteer Services online application and requirements (see below for more information about this specific requirement)

Download the Practicum Application Here...

Mail completed application and other required documents to the following address by the application deadline or scan and email to [email protected]:

Mailing address:
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Attn: Child Life Practicum Coordinator
92 W. Miller St., MP 309
Orlando, FL 32806

Volunteer Services Guidelines:

The entry portal for Child Life practicum students is through the Volunteer Services Department at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Requirements include consent to conduct a criminal background check, three references and consent to test for TB (TST) and drug screening. The student will complete and submit the adult volunteer application in addition to the Child Life Practicum application.

The volunteer application can be submitted online here and click on Adult Volunteer Application. When the screening process is successfully completed, students will attend a volunteer services orientation which takes place at the hospital. Due to the time required to complete the screening and the orientation, the applications to Volunteer Services must be submitted by the practicum application deadline.

During the practicum, students will wear a shirt identifying them as a volunteer while they are engaged in this learning experience. The student will adhere to the hospital and volunteer dress code as explained in the volunteer services orientation.