In both healthcare and community settings, infants, children and adolescents can experience many stressful and fear-inducing events. Certified Child Life Specialists help children and families cope with the anxiety and uncertainty of a variety of life experiences including but not limited to acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, life transitions, disability, loss and bereavement.
Armed with a strong background in child development, Certified Child Life Specialists provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically appropriate interventions including therapeutic and medical play, self-expression activities, preparation for procedures, and education to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. These interventions help to normalize these stressful experiences for children and families.
Although typically based in a pediatric hospital, the world of child life is beginning to expand, making its way into communities, schools, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, foster care agencies, funeral homes, and other settings in which children and families can benefit from this specialized support.
Learn more about Child Life here and enjoy the videos below.