Practicum
Empowering Students Through Real-World Experiences with Children and Families
An important component of the Child and Family Studies program curriculum is the practicum. A practicum is like an internship. It is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom—theory, concepts, skills—in settings working with children and families.
CFS students complete a minimum of 150 hours at an approved practicum site, where they develop essential professional skills and bridge theory with practice in real‑world settings. Over the past five years, CFS students have gained hands‑on experience at more than 75 sites across 3 countries, 19 states, and 36 cities. Examples of local Waco‑area practicum partners include:
- Advocacy Center
- McLane Children’s Hospital
- Mayborn Museum
- Hope & Believe Therapy
- Nightlight Adoption
- Elite Therapy Center
- HOPES Parenting Program
- Klara’s Children’s Center Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
- Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development
The Child and Family Studies program welcomes new community partners to host CFS students for practicum. If you are interested in hosting Child and Family Studies students at your organization for practicum, check out our Community Partners page.
“My practicum experience gave me the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in child and family studies classes to real-world settings. It helped me grow in confidence, sharpen my communication skills, and deepen my understanding of how to support both children and families in meaningful ways.”
Pre-OT Student completing their practicum at a Hippotherapy Clinic
Preparing for Practicum
Before their practicum experience, CFS students take the pre-practicum class, CFS 4191 Professional Practices in Child & Family Studies, in the fall of their junior or senior year. This course provides students with opportunities to explore their professional interests and select a practicum site that will help them grow in their professional capacity.
Interested in starting your professional development journey early? Explore CFS professional development guides tailored to each concentration. These resources offer academic and experiential tips to help you build your professional identity and prepare for practicum:
We also invite students to visit Baylor’s Career Center as they prepare for practicum and internships. The Career Center supports students in resume and cover letter development, mock interviews, networking, and other career development resources.
Experiencing the Practicum
After completing CFS 4191 Professional Practices in Child and Family Studies in the fall semester, students take the next step in their professional journey by enrolling in CFS 4390 Practicum in Child and Family Studies while completing in 150 hours at an approved practicum site.
The practicum class is intentionally designed to foster professional growth, reflection, and skill development. Through guided reflective practice, students assess their progress, strengthen their professional identity, and gain confidence working in child and family‑serving organizations.
On‑site experiences are purposefully tailored to each student’s learning goals, which are established during CFS 4191. Activities may include:
- Participating in intake processes and developmental assessments
- Observing practitioner–client interactions in professional settings
- Preparing materials and environments for client or family sessions
- Designing and delivering educational workshops
- Creating and implementing engaging activities for children, families, or groups
- Evaluating program outcomes and effectiveness
- And other valuable experiences, depending on the practicum site and student goals
This immersive experience bridges theory and practice, helping students graduate with meaningful, resume‑ready experience and a deeper understanding of career pathways in Child and Family Studies.
For more information about the practicum experience, contact Dr. Nicole McAninch, coordinator of the Child and Family Studies practicum program.
Frequently Asked Questions
A practicum requires fewer hours than an internship. Generally, an internship may require 300 or more hours, while the practicum requires a minimum of 150 hours on-site.
While students are most likely to complete their practicum in the Waco area if they complete hours during the spring semester, practicum students are welcome to explore placement opportunities anywhere in the United States. We can also consider international placement opportunities in coordination with Baylor’s Center for Global Engagement.
The Child and Family Studies program welcomes the opportunity to work with new practicum sites. Students request consideration for a new practicum site through the CFS Practicum Coordinator during the CFS 4191 Professional Practices in Child & Family Studies class.
Students pursuing certification as a Child Life Specialist have special considerations when pursuing a practicum. Learn more on the Child Life concentration webpage.
Pre‑Occupational Therapy concentration students in CFS complete practicum experiences that allow them to work with patients across the lifespan—from infancy through older adulthood. Pre-OT CFS students complete practicum in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, in‑home service agencies, and early childhood programs. These hands‑on experiences enable students to apply classroom theory and skills while earning over 150 observation hours for graduate school applications, preparing them for success in diverse occupational therapy practice environments.