We Make Healing Look Like Child's Play

At the Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital, our goal is to help support the emotional, social, and developmental needs of children experiencing stress due to hospitalization. After all, we understand that being in a hospital can be very frightening for children, adolescents, and their family members. This is why we created the Child Life, Creative Arts Therapies & Education Program.

The Child Life, Creative Arts Therapies & Education Program is run by expert Child Life specialists. Our staff encourages positive coping strategies in children and their families by offering education and preparation for medical procedures, as well as emotional support as children encounter the wide range of illness-related experiences that may occur in the hospital. The program also provides creative art therapies, therapeutic play and developmentally appropriate activities to help with the adjustments to hospitalization.

We Offer

We offer a number of services including:

• Behavioral Pain Management (Relaxation and Guided Imagery)
• Creative Art Therapies
• Development and Sensory Stimulation
• Medical Education
• Procedural preparation and support
• Pre-Admission/operative tours
• Sibling and family support
• School Re-Entry Programs
• Special entertainment
• Therapeutic play
• Recreational services
• Bereavement services
• Wish Referrals for children with severe chronic and life-threatening conditions

We Sponsor

We sponsor a number of events including:

• Entertainment on inpatient units and at the Cancer center, including a weekly clown, bi-monthly first-run movie screens and more
• Kids Kicking Cancer Martial Arts Group
• Artist in Residence Program
• Pet Therapy Program
• Holiday Celebrations and Parties
• Department of Education P.S. 403 Hospital School Program
• Educational programs with the Brooklyn Public Library, Museum of Modern Art, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium
• Annual Bereavement Memorial
• Support Group for parents whose child has cancer

Why Choose Us

• Professionals with extensive expertise in child development, education and psychology
• Skilled team available full time on the inpatient General Pediatric Units, Intensive Care Units, and Cancer Center
• Child-Life coverage also available part-time in the Pediatric Emergency Department, Radiology Department, Ambulatory Surgery, Special Procedures, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Outpatient Sub-Specialty Practice and Adult Units
• Compassionate care in a child-friendly environment, designed to reduce anxiety
• The Premier Brooklyn Hospital