Child Life
Child Life
Care Beyond Medicine
Certified child life specialists (CCLS) play a meaningful role in supporting children, teens, and their families during their hospital experience. Working closely with the medical team, they focus on each child’s developmental, emotional, and psychosocial well‑being—helping care feel safe, supportive, and reassuring.
Through age‑appropriate education, preparation, and therapeutic play, the CCLS team helps reduce stress and worry while encouraging positive coping for both patients and families. With their guidance, children gain a sense of confidence and autonomy throughout their hospital stay.
Certified child life specialists are available to support children, teens and families at St. Luke’s Children’s in Boise and Magic Valley. To connect with Child Life services, please call (208) 381-4758.
Experience You Can Trust
Thoughtfully Trained, Genuinely Caring
All Certified Child Life Specialists meet professional standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals, including formal education, clinical training, and national certification. Many CCLSs also complete a practicum and a supervised internship before entering the field.
These hands‑on experiences prepare child life specialists to thoughtfully support children and families during medical care, bringing both expertise and compassion to their work.
Support That Makes a Difference
Calm and Comforting
Certified child life specialists help comfort and distract children during medical procedures, using techniques to manage pain without medication.
Family-Centered
Patients receive personalized education about new or existing diagnoses, helping siblings and family members feel informed and involved in care.
Confidence-Building
Therapeutic play helps children build confidence and a sense of independence during their care.
Compassionate
The CCLS team provides comfort and support throughout the care journey, including bereavement support and legacy‑building activities for families when needed.
