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. 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.
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.
Susan Lampham, Vice President, SLapham@air.org
American Psychological Association (APA)
Amanda Clinton, Office of International Affairs, AClinton@apa.org
Rena Subotnik, Center for Psychology in Schools and Education, rsubotnik@apa.org
AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation
Implementing applied research in preschools; Supporting data analysis and reporting for preschools (quarterly reports; curricular alignment)
Abby Carlson, Director of Research and Impact, abby.carlson@appletreeinstitute.org
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
Donna Christian, Senior Fellow, Dchristian@cal.org
WRMA Incorporated
Innovative solutions to create better futures for vulnerable populations
Nicole Fettig, Sr. Research Associate, nfettig@wrma.org
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
Manica Ramos, Senior Research Scientist, mramos@childtrends.org
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
Contact Terry Spearman, Manager, Child Life Services
Child Life Department Phone: 202-476-8939
Family Compass
Duties: research of interventions in various areas, conduct studies of outcomes of interventions
Reston, VA
Moshe Shtuhl, Founder & Director
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
Contact Dr. Amy Sussman (Amy.Sussman@ed.gov)
Infant-toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls Church
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/office-for-children/infant-and-toddler-connection
Fairfax, VA
Debbie Billodeaux: debbie.billodeaux@co.fairfax.va.us
INOVA Fairfax Hospital
https://www.inova.org/education/student-educational-opportunities
Jewish Community Center Northern Virginia – Preschool
Fairfax, VA
Amit Hickman, Center Director, amit.hickman@jccnv.org
Monocacy Neurodevelopmental Center
Requires: ABA Training
Frederick, MD
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
Washington, DC
Marilou Hyson, PhD mhyson@naeyc.org
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.
Comprehensive, interactive, & research-based parenting course; rewarding teaching experience!
http://parentingplaygroups.com/
workshops@parentingplaygroups.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
Debra Rog Debrarog@westat.com
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