Child Life Practicum

The Child Life Practicum is designed as an introductory experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career in child life. Through experiential learning and observation of Certified Child Life Specialists®, child life practicum students begin to increase their knowledge of evidence-based, developmentally-appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that support and reduce fear, anxiety and pain for infants, children, youth and families as they cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury and treatment. Through these experiences, child life practicum students will enhance their knowledge of the child life profession and investigate the process of applying child life and developmental theory to practice.  

While the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) does not require specific practices or protocols for child life practicums at this time, and child life practicums are not currently accepted to establish eligibility for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination, ACLP encourages child life practicum programs to follow these recommendations set forth in 2013 by the ACLP Practicum Task Force.

Child Life Practicum Recommended Standards

  • Standard 1

  • Standard 2

  • Standard 3

  • Standard 4

  • Standard 5

  • Standard 6

Certification