Child life helps children and families deal with the stress and anxiety that often accompany health care experiences. Child life helps children continue to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually throughout the time of their hospital and clinic experiences. This is done through age and activity-level appropriate play. We also offer a school program for all children in the hospital. The Child Life program is funded by the Children's Miracle Network as well as the hospital operating budget.
Pediatricians give books to their patients during well child checkups.
The program can also be provided for children needing surgery during hospitalization or for older children on an individual basis. To qualify, students must be enrolled in school, between the ages of 3 and 21, and expected to miss 20 or more days during the school year. Although the school program is designed for chronically ill students, all pediatric school age children are welcome to attend. The program not only helps students keep up with their schoolwork, but aids in the keeping of normal routines which are critical to recovery. Provided through presentations on various topics such as child development, child life, camps and retreats.