Child Life Practicum Program Dear Student, Thank you for your interest in Metro Health s Child Life Program. The practicum experience provides students with an opportunity to become familiar with the role Child Life Specialists play in the care of children within the hospital. Students learn about the unique needs of the individual families and children and how to support them through the healthcare experience. Below you will find information about the practicum: Sessions Objectives Requirements Expectations for student Assignments Application Process Practicum Sessions: Practicum sessions are offered during the fall and winter semesters. Practicum is subject to cancellation due to staffing complications or needs of program. Decisions on whether or not to run the practicum will be made in advance and students will be made aware of this decision when stating interest. Students must have their completed application mailed in (post-marked) on or before the stated deadline. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. Practicum Session Application Deadlines Fall (September- November) March 15 Winter/ Spring(January March) September 5
Child Life Practicum Program Practicum Objectives: Utilizing observation, active participation, and supervision/feedback, students will learn how to integrate knowledge and theory in hands on situations. Students will come away with experiences with all developmental age groups which will enhance future applications, internships, and eventual child life careers. Program objectives are as follows: 1) Familiarization with the child life profession 2) Development of communication skills with children/families in the health care setting, as well as with other health care professionals 3) Recognition and understanding of children's/adolescent's reactions to stress, illness, and pain. 4) Recognition of the value of play and psychosocially supportive interventions 5) Learning to plan and implement a variety of activities for groups of children as well as individual children, both of diverse ages and capabilities. 6) Gaining of knowledge of medical terminology, diagnoses, and procedures 7) Setting of goals for learning and evaluation of own performance 8) Beginning to develop professional attitudes, growth, maturity, and judgment by functioning as a member of the health care team. Eligibility Requirements: 3.0 cumulative GPA Minimum of 50 hours of volunteering in the hospital At least 5 classes that would be approved by the Child Life Council Practicum Expectations: Minimum hours: 10-12 hours per week for 10 weeks (100 minimum) o Schedule is variable depending on program needs and student schedule Volunteer application and on-site interview Hospital required volunteer orientation Proof of negative TB skin test (2step) Weekly supervision meeting with Practicum Supervisor Variety of experiences in all areas of the hospital covered by Child Life
Child Life Practicum Application Assignments: Weekly journal integrating observations of experiences with Child Life philosophy and theory Weekly readings including sections of the following textbooks: 1. Psychosocial Care of Children in Hospitals 2. The Handbook of Child Life 3. Child Life in Hospitals: Theory and Practice 4. Guidelines for the Development of Child Life Programs in Health Care Settings. Two patient Case Studies 1 Review of a professional journal article related to Child Life One special project (to be determined during the first 3 weeks of practicum) Midterm and Final evaluation, including a self-evaluation Evaluation of site, supervisor, and practicum experience Benefit to Students: Observation of hospitalized children and youth Increased comfort within the hospital environment Increased practical knowledge of Child Life A letter of completion verifying your practicum hours on the condition that all expectations are met. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the Child Life Department by calling 616-252-7946 or emailing childlife@metrogr.org Thank you!
Personal Information Child Life Practicum Application Name: Phone: Present Address: Email: Emergency Information Emergency Contact: Address: Relationship: Phone: Education College/University: Major: GPA: Name of Academic Advisor: Minor: Graduation Date: Phone: List all courses, dates, and grades relevant to Child Life practice. Examples include courses in: child development, psychology, therapeutic recreation, etc. For more information about acceptable coursework for certification required by the Child Life Council, visit www.childlife.org. Course Date Grade 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Experience List any hospital-based experience (paid or volunteer). Institution and Location Dates Position/ Responsibilities Hours Completed List any additional volunteer or paid job experiences. Institution and Location Dates Position/ Responsibilities Hours Completed List any collegiate clubs or community organizations in which you have participated, including years involved and any leadership positions held. Institution and Location Dates Position/ Responsibilities Hours Completed Application Questions Please attach your answers to the following: 1. Why would you like to do your practicum at Metro Health? 2. What do you hope to gain from a practicum experience? 3. "What qualities do you possess that will help you in your practicum?" 4. Please discuss two of the most significant experiences you have had working with children (this can be positive or negative). 5. What steps are you planning to take toward becoming a Child Life Specialist? 6. How do you plan to deal with the emotional aspects of a practicum? For example: observing painful procedures or hearing case studies of difficult family/child situations.
Statement of Understanding: I have a serious interest in the Child Life Profession and I wish to be considered for the Metro Health Hospital Child Life Practicum. I attest that the information in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the staff at Metro Health Hospital reserves the right to verify any information I have provided in this application. I have enclosed the following required documents: Practicum Application Questions Transcripts showing at least (5) acceptable classes for Child Life Certification and GPA Current Resume Two letters of recommendation (one professionals and one academic) Signature Date Mail completed applications to: Child Life Services Metro Health Hospital- MSP 5900 Byron Center Ave, SW Wyoming, MI 49519 Thank you again for your interest in the Child Life Practicum program at Metro Health Hospital. Applicants will be notified of their status within three weeks or the application deadline. We look forward to reviewing your application. Child Life Services Ph. (616) 252-7946 childlife@metrogr.org