Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists are professionally trained members of the health care team. They have college degrees in child development or related fields. After an internship in a health care setting, they must pass a national exam for certification.
Child life staff specialize in making the health care experience easier and less stressful for patients and families. Child life specialists are key contacts for:
- Family oriented spaces with appropriate toys and materials
- Preparation and explanations children and young adults understand
- Supporting patients during difficult or painful experiences
- Addressing brothers' and sisters' needs regarding a sibling hospitalized or having a disability
- Promoting patient / family involvement in guiding health care practice
- Supporting and educating staff and community regarding psychosocial needs of children and families in health care
- Preparing and / or supporting children experiencing loss or other stressful life events
The DDBP Child Life Specialists can be contacted at 513-636-8364 (or) 1-800-344-2462, ext. 68364.
For more information about Child Life, visit www.cincinnatichildrens.org/childlife or www.childlife.org.
