The Child Life Program at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, helps children and families in our hematology and oncology programs heal through play, preparation, education and self-expression.
A Child Life specialist is a graduate of a bachelor’s or master’s program in education, human growth and development, psychology, or counseling and certified through rigorous training.
We’re experienced in helping children and adolescents deal with a serious illness, and cope with feelings like guilt, anger and confusion.
Anticipating Your Every Need
We’re here to meet the needs of our patients — infants to adolescents — and families during stressful and traumatic situations by providing:
Psychosocial support: explain procedures and treatments and talk about concerns
Procedural support: offer comfort and distraction during blood draws and other procedures
Medical/therapeutic play: use the power of play as an integral part of the healing process
Education and advocacy: foster understanding and communication with your medical team
When your child is anxious, when you’re overwhelmed, and your other children don’t understand what’s happening to your family, contact us. We’re here for you.
Child Life Activities
Kids of all ages want to explore and play no matter where they are. The Child Life Program at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, keeps a serious illness from dampening this spirit in many different ways.
Art with a Heart
Several times a week, an artist from the Wolfson Children’s Hospital “Art with a Heart” program visits our hematology and oncology patients to lead fun and therapeutic art projects. Armed with brushes and paints, our kids love expressing themselves through creativity without bounds.
When masterpieces are complete, children often donate their artwork for everyone to enjoy in the clinic, the hospital or in traveling exhibits displayed throughout the community.
Learn More About Art With a Heart
School Visit Program
When children are diagnosed with cancer, there are so many questions and concerns: Will I lose my hair? Am I contagious? Will people stare? How will my friends treat me?
At Nemours, we not only help your child understand, we can help your child’s classmates understand a cancer diagnosis. During a school visit, we talk to kids about cancer, explain what it is (and what it isn’t), how it’s treated, and how they can help keep your child safe from germs.
This early, open conversation helps patients:
- maintain confidence and self-esteem
- build a school-based support system
- foster friendships and camaraderie
- cope better with stressful situations
- enjoy a healthier classroom environment
For more information about school visits, please contact our Child
Life Specialist.
Contact Child Life
Joli Craver
Child Life Specialist
(904) 697-3908
joli.craver@nemours.org
Child Life Program: Hematology/Oncology
Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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