Child Life Internship and Practicums
About the Child Life Department
The oldest Child Life program in Texas, celebrating 50 years in 2024.
One of the largest Child Life programs in the country, with 53 full-time Child Life Specialists (CLS).
The department includes Child Life Specialists, Child Life Assistants, Music Therapists, and Facility Dogs.
Features include six playrooms across the hospital, a therapeutic arts room, and Seacrest Studios.
Pet therapy is available through both our volunteer services and in-house facility dog programs.
Internship Overview
Children’s Health’s clinical internship program meets the minimum standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
Offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
All rotations take place at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
The internship spans 600+ hours over 15 weeks, five days per week.
Includes two main six-week rotations, plus:
One week of orientation
One site visit week
One shadowing and professional development week with placements of choice
Weekly hands-on learning sessions, readings, assignments, and journals supplement clinical experience.
Major assignments include:
Small case presentations
A diagnosis presentation
A project (creation, implementation, and presentation)
Interns work a designated holiday during their internship(Easter, July 4th, or Halloween).
Application details and requirements are available at Child Life Internships
Practicum / Pre-Internship Overview
Offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Placements are at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
The practicum is 240 hours over 15 weeks, two days per week.
Students choose two consistent days (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
Includes
One week of orientation
One site visit week
One shadowing and professional development week with placements of choice two six-week rotations, plus:
Primarily observational, with opportunities for hands-on activities in playrooms and at bedside.
Students will practice introducing themselves and their role and build rapport with patients and families.
Includes readings, assignments, therapeutic activities, and journals.
Major assignments include:
Individual stress potential assessment
Census prioritization
Portfolio presentation
Application details and requirements are available at Child Life Practicum
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already have a degree?
Yes, but you must be currently affiliated (enrolled) with a university that has an active affiliation agreement with our hospital.
Can I apply if I graduate before the program starts?
No. All candidates must be affiliated with a university at the time of the program.
Can I complete both a practicum and internship at Children’s Health Dallas?
No. Students may complete either a practicum or an internship at Children’s Health Dallas, not both. Students who complete their practicum/pre-internship experience at Children's Health Plano, are able to complete an internship at Children’s Health Dallas.
How can I gain more experience?
We recommend volunteering at camps, daycare centers, children’s hospitals, babysitting, or similar child-focused activities.
Affiliated Schools
Please note: We are not currently entering into new affiliation agreements.
To view our list of current university affiliations, visit www.childrens.com. If you are an independent student, you are not eligible to apply at this time.
Contact Information
Lizzy Peterson, MA, CCLS
Program Coordinator – Education
214-456-5770
For the most current information, visit:
