Who are Child Life Specialists?
Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals with expertise in child development who help children and families cope with challenging experiences, particularly those related to illness, injury, medical procedures, hospitalization, and healthcare encounters.
They support children by:
- Using play, education, preparation, and self-expression to reduce fear and anxiety
- Helping children understand medical experiences in an age-appropriate way
- Promoting healthy coping and emotional well-being
- Supporting children's continued growth and development during times of stress
Child Life Specialists also provide guidance and emotional support to:
- Parents and caregivers
- Siblings
- Other family members
Because a child's well-being is closely connected to family support, Child Life Specialists help families navigate healthcare experiences and advocate for children's unique needs.
For surgical preparation and support, our preparation video can be found here.
For more information about Child Life Specialists please visit www.childlife.org
