The Child Life Program strives to reduce the negative effects of illness and hospitalization on our patients and their families through the following services:
Psychosocial Support
Child Life Specialists support patients and families in processing information regarding diagnosis and treatment. Specialists facilitate discussion regarding feelings, concerns, and questions about illness/hospitalization.
Pre-Procedural/Pre-Operative Preparation
Child Life Specialists provide developmentally appropriate explanations to the child about the upcoming event. Information on the sequence, nature, and reasons for procedures and routines is often offered.
Support During Procedure
The goals of procedural support are to facilitate positive coping and cooperation by providing emotional support, opportunities for distraction, and pain management during medical procedures.
Pain Management
Non-pharmacological strategies for coping with physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of pain are offered by Child Life Specialists. Techniques, such as guided imagery, deep breathing, and distraction are a few of the strategies utilized to reduce pain and stress.
Medical/Therapeutic Play
Child Life Specialists provide play opportunities that offer education surrounding illness, hospital stay, and coping. These opportunities also promote expression of feelings, concerns, and fears.
Developmental Stimulation
The goals of developmental stimulation are to help the patient maintain developmental milestones and/or promote growth through activities, such as play, art, and music.
Bereavement
Support, resources, and therapeutic activities are offered during end of- life care to aid the patient, siblings, and family in the dying process.
Activity Center
The Child Life Activity Center provides an oasis, away from the chaos of the hospital, where Child Life Technicians offer safe and creative programming for our patients to enjoy.
Stress and Coping
Because every child is different, they each have their own way of managing pain and stress. Coping is the way people deal with and attempt to overcome difficult life experiences.
Animal Assisted Activities
Trained volunteer handlers visit patients with certified therapy dogs to promote self-esteem and reduce stress.
Community Entertainment
By coordinating special events and visitors, celebrating holidays, and recognizing birthdays, the Child Life Program strives to make the hospital experience as positive as possible for our patients and their families. Check with your Child Life Specialist to see what is scheduled during your child’s admission.