The Child Life Program was established to help children and families cope with the stress and anxiety of hospitalization. Child Life Specialists at Shands Hospital for Children 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.

Information

For more information about the Child Life Program at Shands Children's Hospital at UF, call 352.265.0111 ext. 46470.

Child Life Program

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