Child Life Services

Child Life Services at Niswonger Children’s

Child life specialists at Niswonger Children’s Hospital are certified professionals who:

• Help prepare children for procedures
• Help them express fear or anxiety related to their hospital experience
• Provide opportunities for normal growth and development through play

The Child Life Services team is committed to making the hospital experience as positive as possible – for both patients and families.

Education, preparation & support

Our Child Life Services providers and team offer:

• Activities and explanations children can understand, including therapeutic play and interventions and medical play – to promote coping skills and foster continued growth and development
• Procedure and surgery preparation and support, as well as coping education and pain management before, during and after stressful events such as IV starts, blood draws, MRIs or surgery
• Advocacy for family-centered care through family and sibling support, including sibling visits for long-term or critically ill patients
• Coordinated holiday celebrations
• Visits from community groups
• Pet therapy and special visitor events
• Education on growth, development and reactions to hospitalizations
• Support and preparation to return to school after an extended hospital stay or a change in physical appearance