Our Services

Child Life's Role

Staff members of the Child Life Program are caring professionals who assess the specific needs of children anticipating a hospital stay. They develop and implement individual and group activities to help make each child’s hospital stay as pleasant as possible. Child Life Specialists and Child Life Assistants work together as a team to support our patients and their families. Here’s a closer look at what they do:

Child Life Specialist

Provides emotional support to children and their families
Prepares children and families for health care experiences (admission, medical and surgical procedures)
Assesses children’s development and behavior
Provides opportunities for normal play activities and therapeutic medical play interactions
Teaches stress point coping techniques (diversion, distraction, relaxation) to help reduce stress and anxiety and suggests positive coping ideas during intrusive procedures
Gives information regarding sibling support
Discusses bereavement and related issues when appropriate

Child Life Assistant

Implements age-appropriate individualized and group activities in coordination with a Child Life Specialist
Supports the psychosocial and developmental needs of children and their families in coordination with a Child Life Specialist
Escorts and acts as a hospital representative for entertainers and special guests
Processes toy donations

Last Update
March 26, 2010

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