Child Life Services
CHILD LIFE SERVICES
Child Life Specialists (CLS) focus on the social, emotional, developmental and educational needs of children and teenagers in the hospital, surgery and outpatient setting. To help reduce fear and promote coping during the visit, a CLS can provide these services:
Interested in our Child Life student programming? Find out more information about our Child Life Practicum and our Workshop on our Internships & Student Programming page.
- Preparation and support for medical procedures
- Education about diagnosis
- Coping techniques to use during medical experiences
- Engagement in medical play
- Outlets for self-expression
- Support for brothers and sisters
Interested in our Child Life student programming? Find out more information about our Child Life Practicum and our Workshop on our Internships & Student Programming page.
HOW CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS CAN HELP
Being Admitted to the Hospital?
Staying at the hospital can sometimes be stressful. Children may be nervous or worried and have questions and/or have behavioral changes prior to a hospitalization.
Coming to the hospital for a clinic appointment can be stressful, too. If your child is nervous or has questions about coming to their appointment, a CLS can help prepare the child by answering questions as well as being present for the following:
Staying at the hospital can sometimes be stressful. Children may be nervous or worried and have questions and/or have behavioral changes prior to a hospitalization.
- A CLS will meet with your child on admission day to provide age-appropriate preparation for their hospitalization and answer any questions they may have.
- Pre-admission tours are available to your child. These can be beneficial to help alleviate nervousness prior to admission day.
Coming to the hospital for a clinic appointment can be stressful, too. If your child is nervous or has questions about coming to their appointment, a CLS can help prepare the child by answering questions as well as being present for the following:
- Anything potentially stressful
- Cast removal
- IV placement
- Joint injection
- Lab draw
- Radiology procedure
- Surgery discussion
