Child Life

​According to the Association of Child Life Professionals...

​Child life specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events.

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Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. We provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare hospitalization and grief. Because we understand that a child’s wellbeing depends on the support of the family, child life specialists provide information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. We also play a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress. ​