Experiential Learning

Real-world practice before you graduate

Experiential learning

A variety of opportunities to volunteer and earn course credit means that when you graduate from a KPICD program, you’ll enter the workforce prepared – with real-life experience working with children who have histories of abuse, neglect and other types of trauma.

Camp intern

Learn and train while helping in The Hope Connection® 2.0 therapeutic weekend camps, designed to help adopted children and their adoptive families.  Undergraduate students typically serve as camp buddies to the children, while graduate students mentor the undergraduate students.

One of my favorite memories in child development was working at Hope Connection 2.0 Camp as a buddy in Fall 2024. I had the best time with my buddy, and growing my confidence in my skills, that I can use what I have learned in class, and that it really does work!

Ally Amezcua

Other internships

Our undergraduate students who have completed the required coursework can apply for a child development internship or practicum, with opportunities such as implementing TBRI in an orphanage or working at a children’s hospital.

With the help of the most passionate and loving professors imaginable, I now want to follow in their footsteps and be part of a fantastic team that makes a difference for that one person, one child and one family.

McKynzie Johnson

Study Abroad

Students can earn credit hours by traveling internationally to serve alongside global KPICD partners in places such as China, Spain and Australia. These are usually 15-day trips exploring the culture and visiting local institutions that work with children.

Frogs 4 Children

This organization, led by TCU students across all majors, is dedicated to serving children in our local community. The club offers a variety of service opportunities for the betterment of the children in Fort Worth, such as organizing educational workshops, community service events for children, and partnerships with Cook Children’s hospital.

The Developmental Trauma M.S. program at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development allowed me to learn from experts in a field I am passionate about and gave me invaluable experience working with kids and families!

Emma Wood

DETR graduate student

Applied Research

Partner with experienced professionals to perform behavioral, evaluation and intervention research using data collected by TBRI® Practitioners and other partners working with children and youth around the world. You’ll also have a chance to present your innovative research poster to TCU faculty, staff and students in an interdisciplinary setting.

The KPICD has given me an incredible opportunity to learn about something close to my heart and has given me invaluable experience in trauma-informed skills.

Madison Waggoner