Clinical & Health Programs
- FITS
- MeBe Family Services - SLP
- Select Physical Therapy
- Total Education Solutions (TES) Therapy
- UC San Diego Athletics
- UC San Diego Health - Child Life Practicum
- Optometric Vision Development Center
UC San Diego Health - Child Life Practicum
Basic Information
Organization and Responsibilities Description
The Child Life Practicum program gives students the opportunity to experience the child life profession and gain insight into the unique, individual needs of children and their families in the hospital setting by observing a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in settings such as the burn unit, trauma unit, burn outpatient clinics and palliative care services.
Responsibilities include shadowing and assisting CCLS and interns in distraction and accompaniment during procedures or dressing changes, preparation for surgery and other procedures, schoolwork assistance, scholar reintegration, and facilitation of therapeutic, medical and diversional play for patients 21 years of age and younger. Additional responsibilities include various office tasks such as toy sanitization and organization.
Age(s) of Participants
0 - 21 years old
Clearance Requirement
- Volunteer Application
- Background check (covered by UCSD Health)
- Vaccinations
- Familiarity with ACLP and impact of stress on development
- 100 documented volunteer hours working with children (50 with hospitalized/medically fragile children)
- At least 1 class taught by a certified child life specialist
Research Availability
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
- 10-15 hours a week, 2-5 shifts a week (100 volunteer hours per quarter)