A stay in the hospital can be unsettling, no matter how old you are. But for children, medical procedures, unfamiliar surroundings, and new faces can be particularly stressful. Child Life specialists at St. Luke's Children's Hospital work to ease this stress by providing emotional and developmental support to patients, their siblings, and their families. As members of your child's health care team, Child Life specialists strive to create a warm, nonthreatening, and supportive environment to help your child cope with the stress associated with the hospital experience.

Child Life specialists are specially trained to work with sick and injured children. They have earned either a bachelor's or master's degree in child development, psychology, education, or a related field of study. They are certified through the Child Life Council, a national professional organization that administers the rigorous process for obtaining the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.

To contact a Child Life specialist, please call 381-4758.