Practicum Placements for M.A. Students
M.A. students are required to do either a research thesis or a practicum (some choose to do both). Ph.D. students have the option of doing a practicum during their program in addition to their research. Practica involve working at an external site that is of interest to, and arranged by, the student to get hands on experience working with and/or on child and family policy or advocacy. The following is a non-exhaustive list of online directories and previous sites that students have gone to for their practicum experience in recent years.
Practicum Sites:
American Institutes for Research
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Amanda Clinton, Office of International Affairs, AClinton@apa.org
AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation
Implementing applied research in preschools; Supporting data analysis and reporting for preschools (quarterly reports; curricular alignment)
Arlington County
Center for Applied Linguistics
AL's experienced staff conduct research, develop language assessments and instructional materials, provide professional development and technical assistance services, offer online courses, and disseminate information and resources related to language and culture.
Washington, DC
Center for Community Resilience
https://ccr.publichealth.gwu.edu/
Center for Educational Improvement
https://www.edimprovement.org/
Chevy Chase Counseling and Assessment Associates
Child Trends
Child Trends is the nation’s leading research organization focused exclusively on improving the lives of children and youth, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Bethesda, MD
Children’s Defense Fund
We work with Congress and the federal government to advocate for federal policies that improve children’s lives.
https://www.childrensdefense.org/connect/join-our-team/internships-at-cdf/
Children’s National Hospital
Child Life Department Phone: 202-476-8939
Family Compass
Duties: research of interventions in various areas, conduct studies of outcomes of interventions
Reston, VA
Federal Internships
https://vsfs.state.gov/
Federal Department of Education
See "Student Volunteer Trainees"
https://www2.ed.gov/students/prep/job/intern/index.html?exp=1
Greenbox ABA
https://www.greenboxaba.org
Infant-toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls Church
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/office-for-children/infant-and-toddler-connection
Fairfax, VA
INOVA Fairfax Hospital
https://www.inova.org/education/student-educational-opportunities
Jewish Community Center Northern Virginia – Preschool
Fairfax, VA
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
Washington, DC
National Head Start Association
Research internship: perform research and literature reviews, attend and report on research-related events, learn about early childhood assessments, assist staff with projects, maintain library of reports and journal articles.
Alexandria, VA
https://www.nhsa.org/internships/
New Pathways
https://www.pressleyridge.org/services/transition-age-services/new-pathways/
Social work / case management / foster care follow-up
Baltimore, MD
https://www.pressleyridge.org/join-our-team/volunteer/
Parenting Playgroups, Inc. (Faculty contact: Dr. Curby)
Comprehensive, interactive, & research-based parenting course; rewarding teaching experience!
http://parentingplaygroups.com/
workshops@parentingplaygroups.com
Rainstorms to Rainbows (Faculty contact: Dr. Winsler)
http://rainstormstorainbows.weebly.com
Regional Educational Laboratory Appalachia
Leadership on (a) studies that identify information needs in KY, TN, VA, WV and (b) studies of short duration that relate to the goals of No Child Left Behind.
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/appalachia/index.asp
SRCD Washington Policy office
Mary Ann McCabe, Director, Office for Policy and Communications, mmccabe@srcd.org
Westat
Improving lives through research
Worldmaker International
https://worldmakerinternational.org/
WRMA Incorporated (Faculty contact: Dr. Curby)
Innovative solutions to create better futures for vulnerable populations
Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is the official partner to the National Park Service in providing concert and performance programming within the Park.
https://www.wolftrap.org/education/internships.aspx
Zero-to-Three
Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.
202-638-1144