Practicum/Internship Opportunities

The Little Tree Preschool is currently a practicum training site for undergraduates, masters, and doctoral level students at Auburn University.  These students are majoring in one of the areas listed below:

• Master’s level Applied Behavior Analysis students
• Master’s level Special Education students
• Psychology doctoral students
• undergraduates in Psychology, HDFS, Social Work, and Education

Requirements for all practicum students and volunteers

Once students are approved to complete practicum assignments at The Little Tree Preschool, the following requirements must be completed:

• Background check through the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, including fingerprinting
• Child Abuse and Neglect check
• Drug screen
• Read and be familiar with the Minimum Standards for Daycares required by DHR
• Complete The Little Tree’s basic training protocol
• Participate in orientation at The Little Tree Preschool
• Have recent (6 months) TB screen and approval from physician that you are healthy enough to carry out the duties necessary to care for children.

Intensive Training for Master’s level Applied Behavior Analysis students

Students at Auburn University enrolled in the ABA/DD Master’s program within the Department of Psychology complete a 6 month rotation at The Little Tree Preschool. During this time they gain experience and training as an ABA case manager providing services under the supervision of a BCBA.  Responsibilities include developing skill acquisition and behavior reduction programs, staff training and monitoring, conducting functional behavior assessments, developing data collection systems, and monitoring client progress.

Intensive Training for Master’s level Special Education students

Students at Auburn University enrolled in the Special Education Master’s program within the Department of Rehabilitation and Special Education complete a semester-long rotation at The Little Tree Preschool. During this time students gain training in ABA procedures, experience as a lead teacher and assistant teacher in an inclusive preschool classroom, and experience working 1 on 1 with children with ASD.  

Intensive Training for Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students at Auburn University can gain training and experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders and their typically developing peers at The Little Tree Preschool.

• Psychology undergraduates can register for Psyc 3940-Experiential Learning under Dr. Jennifer Gillis, or Psyc 4910-Human Service Practicum.
• Undergraduates in HDFS, Social Work, and Foundations 3000 should talk with their advisor about registration options at The Little Tree Preschool.
• If interested in this amazing experience, please contact Leigh Ann Strain at lstrain@learning-tree.org to obtain more information and forms needed for enrollment. 

More information about the practicum experience can be found at www.auburn.edu/littletree.