Erin Lavallee, CCLS and Heather Gianatassio, CCLS
Child Life Specialists are trained professionals who work with children in medical settings. They hold bachelor's or masters' degrees in the areas of child life, child development, special education, or recreation therapy. Our child life specialists are professionally certified and affiliated with the national Child Life Council.
A Child Life Specialist’s primary role is to allay a child’s fears and concerns about the hospital experience. An understanding of and respect for each child’s family dynamic, cultural background and developmental stage is foremost in a Child Life Specialist’s mind when working with patients.
In addition, a specialist can:
- Provide consultation to the health care team about developmental and psychosocial issues.
- Help children prepare for medical procedures and assist with their recovery afterward.
- Arrange for tutoring services for children who need to miss school.
- Help a child use play as a means for self-expression, natural creativity, problem solving, and mastery of new skills.
- Give tours and information before your child comes to stay in the hospital. Read preparing your child for a hospital visit.
- Provide sibling support
- Provide Emergency Room assistance
- Arrange for visits from “James” the pet therapy dog
How Play Can Help in the Hospital
- Build relationships between children and their parents, siblings, and health care providers
- Normalize the situation
- Teach children about medical experiences through their play
