Child Life
In Child Life we help children understand and cope with hospitalization. Focusing on developmental needs of children, Child Life Specialists provide education, play and emotional support for patients and their families. Child Life Assistants oversee the Child Life Playroom and Educational Learning Center.
Child Life Specialists are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5 pm. As part of the medical team, Child Life Specialists collaborate with staff within the Hospital to help meet the needs of the hospitalized child. Some of the services a Child Life Specialist provides are:
- Illness and hospital education
- Surgery and procedure preparation
- Medical play
- Age-appropriate play
- Bedside activities
- Special events and activities
Services Offered
Child Life Playroom
The Playroom (located on the Garden Level) helps children do what they do best…play! In the Playroom – away from medical tests and procedures – children can enjoy: arts, crafts, music, games, reading, movies and video games. The Playroom also hosts events like Bingo, holiday events, music programs, as well as special guests and celebrity characters. Bedside activities and movies are available to children unable to come to the Playroom.
Playroom hours:
Monday – Friday
9:30 a.m.-12 noon (Infant, Toddler and Preschool time)
1-2 p.m. (Teen time)
2-5 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. (All ages)
6-8 p.m. (Friday Night Movie)
Saturday – Sunday
10 a.m.-12 noon & 2-5 p.m. (All ages)
Volunteers & Foster Grandparents
Volunteers and foster grandparents are available to play games, read stories, rock, hold, and interact with patients when: parents need to take a break, patients are not able to come out of their rooms or a child just needs a little TLC.
S.P.O.T. (Special Pets Offering TLC) Program
Volunteers come on four legs too. Volunteer dogs and their owners visit patients in their rooms and in the Playroom – providing special attention to patients, families and staff.
Infant, Toddler & Preschool Time
Each weekday morning, youngsters have the Playroom to themselves. Age appropriate activities help children cope with being in the Hospital. Parents are encouraged to interact in this fun and stimulating environment.
Teen Time
Child Life recognizes that hospitalized teenagers have unique needs, issues and concerns. “Teens Only” time is set aside every weekday from 1-2 p.m. (in the Playroom); teens can interact with their peers and participate in fun activities just for older kids.
Educational Learning Center
A child’s education does not have to stop because a child is hospitalized. School is a routine that kids are used to. It’s one way to provide something normal during a hospital stay.
Children (grades K-12) are encouraged to visit the Educational Learning Center (ELC) while treated at Children’s. The ELC has educational activities, computers and games to help kids continue to learn while in the Hospital. For children who are scheduled to be here for more than 10 days, a Golden Valley School District teacher can be assigned to provide grade appropriate instruction.
Hospital Orientation Program
The Day Surgery Hospital Orientation Program, also known as HOP, helps to decrease fears and concerns about surgery by teaching patients ages 3 and up, siblings and their families, what to expect on the day of surgery. We offer a tour, answer parent and patient questions and provide the chance to play with real medical supplies.
The HOP program is guided by a Child Life Specialist and a surgical nurse. We offer our program every Tuesday, from 4-5 pm, beginning and ending in the Day Surgery waiting room. No RSVP is necessary.
For more information about the HOP tour, call (559) 353-5383 Mon-Fri 7 am - 3 pm or (559) 353-5881 Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm and ask to speak with the Child Life Specialist.
To learn more about preparing your child for surgery, visit the Surgery section of the Children’s Health Encyclopedia or contact the Pre-Surgical Office at (559) 353-5303 or (800) 548-5435.
Contact
Child Life
(559) 353-5444
child_life@childrenscentralcal.org