The Child Life Program helps reduce the stress of illness, treatment and hospitalization by providing therapeutic, educational and recreational activities to meet the unique emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children and their families.
Child Life Specialists and Creative Arts Therapy staff is trained to promote effective coping through play, preparation, education and self-expression activities.
Where are Child Life Services Offered?
- Cancer Center (Hematology-Oncology)
- Ambulatory Surgery
- Inpatient Pediatric Unit
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Pediatric Emergency Room
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
- Radiology Department
- Special Procedures
- Subspecialty Practice
Creative Arts Therapies
Therapies such as art, music, drama and creative-writing promote self-expression and help children cope with issues related to their hospital experience. These creative outlets also aid with recovery and support healing.
Play and Activities
Playroom and teen activity rooms in the inpatient units are equipped with toys, art materials, video games, movies, music and other recreational activities for use during your child’s hospitalization.
Medical Play
Exploring the medical equipment they will encounter during procedures and tests helps children cope better with hospitalization and their fears.
Medical Education and Procedural Preparation
Child Life Specialists are equipped to explain medical information to children in ways that they can understand. Using teaching dolls and books, they help children understand their illnesses and cope better with hospitalization and treatment.
Hospital and Surgery Tours
Pre-surgical and hospital tours help reduce anxiety and fears that children and families might have about an upcoming surgery, procedure or overnight stay. Child Life Specialists will explain what to expect before and after a procedure or surgery, including information on IVs and sedation preparation. This is an opportunity to ask specific questions and to discuss concerns. In addition to in-hospital tours, phone consults are welcome. For more information call (718) 283-673.
Hospitals Schools Program
NYC Department of Education school teachers are on-premises to provide for your child’s educational needs while hospitalized. The teachers can help your child keep up with schoolwork, facilitate a required exam or arrange for home instruction. For more information call (718) 283-7077
Special Events
Child Life Staff organizes special events for patients and families during hospitalization. These include yoga, entertainers, musicians and artists; a pet therapy program; as well as seasonal activities, holiday parties and birthday celebrations. An activity calendar is posted in several locations on the inpatient units.