The Child Life practicum program at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer is offered to students who are interested in becoming more familiar with the Child Life profession. It is an optional, 120 hour introductory experience for individuals pursuing a career in child life. At this hospital, it is conducted under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and is typically done 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 first-hand experience on how developmental theory is integrated into therapeutic interventions for the hospitalized child and family. Students will be required to complete practicum related assignments to further enhance their learning experience. Additionally, the program promotes greater understanding of the coping needs of children and their families and how CCLS can best support them during hospitalization. Due to the high number of requests received each year, this opportunity does require an application which will be reviewed to determine whether the student will be accepted.

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 emailed to [email protected] or sent 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)
• Of note: upon acceptance into practicum, onboarding will include criminal background check and consent to test for TB (TST) and drug screening

 *Incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed.

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