Child Life Program
Helping you and your child cope with their hospital stay
We know that being in the hospital can be a stressful experience for you and your family. The Child Life program is dedicated to easing this stress by providing activities that support your child's development and ability to cope with their hospital experience through play, education, and expressive activities.
Child Life Specialists are members of the healthcare team that promote healthy development and coping through play, education, and expressive activities for children and their families in healthcare settings. Child Life Specialists are Bachelor or Masters prepared in Child Development or a related field. They are professionally certified and maintain certification through a governing body called the Child Life Council.
During your child's stay at Doernbecher, you and your child have access to a wide range of activities, including:
We also provide guidance for family members on:
- Preparing your child for surgery
- Supporting your child during medical procedures
- Giving support to siblings
