We understand that kids face unique physical and emotional challenges when undergoing medical treatment. Among other things, our patients might miss out on school, sports, and activities with their friends or family. There may be symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, or sickness associated with their illness. In addition, if they are receiving ongoing treatment, they may need help distracting their minds from unpleasant side effects.
What are Child Life Specialists?
Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals with degrees in child development, education, psychology or a related field. Additionally, they have completed many hours of training under the supervision of certified child life specialists.
Child Life Specialists (CLS) are part of your child’s multidisciplinary care team. They help children and families cope with hospital environments through three major services. Our child life team can help your child understand their treatment or distract them from it by taking their mind off it. Every step of the way, we make sure your entire family feels engaged and educated.
Procedural Preparation
Help prepare your child for medical procedures by using pictures, dolls, and medical equipment to demonstrate what they might experience.
Procedural Support
Accompany your child to procedures to offer support and distraction and promote positive coping.
Family Support
For the entire family, including sibling support, diagnosis education, and legacy building.
Child Life Services We Offer
Our child life specialists offer support to patients coping with medical diagnoses, hospital stays, or medical procedures. We offer:
- Medical play - Using dolls, pretend equipment, and simple language to help your child become accustomed to hospital settings and prepare for medical procedures.
- Therapeutic play - Using age-appropriate toys and activities to help kids express their feelings, reach developmental milestones, or have a little fun.
- Tutoring - We offer school support to eligible patients through our Hospital School Program. Teachers work with your child's school to provide ongoing education and assistance with the transition back into the classroom.
- Support services - Patient and family support services including pet therapy and others.
- Tours and teaching prior to surgery.
- Assessments of development.
- Fun holiday activities for the whole family.
Reducing Fears to Promote Healing
When adequate support and attention are provided, the healthcare experience can be made more pleasant and bearable. Whether your child needs a fun distraction or a safe space to share their feelings, our child life specialists can help. They are specially trained to turn stressful situations into positive ones.
