Child Life Program

The Child Life Program was established to help children and families cope with the stress and anxiety of hospitalization. Child Life Specialists at Shands Children's Hospital are certified non-medical professionals who understand child development and provide interventions in an environment that will support normal growth and development.

Some interventions may include:

Help normalize the hospital environment and make it more positive
Provide preparation and procedure support for children undergoing medical tests
Allow patients opportunities to experience control, success, and self-expression through age-appropriate activities and therapeutic play
Provide medical play to allow children to rehearse, role play, and establish coping skills.