At the UC Davis Medical Center, the Child Life Program serves all pediatric inpatients. Services extend to the general pediatric unit, the special care unit, the pediatric intensive care unit, the burn unit, the metabolic transplant unite, the trauma unit, and other areas of the hospital. Child Life staff explain medical procedures to children with the assistance of special medical play puppets and medical equipment. They also accompany children to surgery and recovery, and medical procedures to provide reassurance and explanations. A playroom in the pediatric unit provides a full day of activities and play opportunities for children.
Activities range from art and medical play to cooking and music.
Bedside activities are provided for children who are unable to come to the playroom. In addition to the Child Life specialists, the staff includes a music therapist and an art therapist who work with patients. The music therapist provides both group and individual sessions. The artist works individually with children providing a wide range of artistic media and experiences. Experts believe that the creative arts are an important tool for self-expression and they help in the healing process.