Child Life is an important part of the rehabilitation experience at Children’s Specialized Hospital. Our Child Life Specialists are trained professionals who help children and their families understand the hospital environment, aiming to help make the hospitalization experience a positive one.

Through their education and training, our team of Child Life Specialist seek to achieve the following goals:

• To teach and encourage coping/pain management techniques
• To enhance understanding of therapies or procedures using age-appropriate preparation and medical/expressive play
• To provide distraction/support during therapy or medical procedures
• To provide an opportunity for control and expression
• To alleviate misconceptions about medical conditions/rehab potential, treatment or environment
• To provide opportunity for community and school re-entry.
   

Child Life Specialists hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and are an integral part of the rehabilitation team.

We believe a child's wellbeing is directly related to family support, for that reason our Child Life staff additionally provide support, information, and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members.

• Internships