Frequently Asked Questions

What is Child Life?
Child Life is the program in hospitals and clinics that is designed to help children deal with medical treatment in a positive way.

What are the three main goals of Child Life?

• Child Life works to normalize the hospital experience for children to make it as "regular" as possible. This is done through play experiences, recognition of holidays and birthdays, opportunities for socializing with other children, camp experiences, etc.
• Child Life helps children and families deal with the stress and anxiety that often accompany healthcare experiences. This is done by providing sensory education on medical events (preparation for procedures and surgeries, disease-specific education, and other educational training); relaxation and stress management education; play activities designed to encourage expression of feelings and increased self-esteem; and medical play to encourage communication of feelings and mastery over medical equipment.
• Child Life helps children continue to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually throughout the time of their hospital and clinic experiences. This is done through play appropriate to the age and activity level of the children. We also offer a school program for all children in the hospital.
  

How and when did the Child Life program begin at Scott & White?
In an effort to reduce children's fear of hospitalization, Scott & White established the Child Life Program, which evolved out of a study on the benefits of play therapy and the effects of hospitalization on children. The study was conducted in 1981 by a Scott & White Pediatric Psychologist, Dr. Bill Rae, along with the help of a research assistant, Jan Upchurch, who is currently the Child Life Services Director of the Scott & White Children's Health Center. Within a year of the study, Scott & White received a grant for an official Child Life Program.

How is the Child Life program currently funded?
The Child Life Program is funded by the Children's Miracle Network as well as the hospital operating budget.

How do I donate?
Contact the Scott & White Development Office.

How can I volunteer in Child Life or the Children's Health Center?
Contact Volunteer Services.

What Child Life services are offered here at Scott & White?

• Inpatient
• Outpatient subspecialty clinic
• Emergency Department
• Camps and retreats
• Reach Out and Read
• Bud E. Bear Pre-Operative Education Program
• Hospital school program
• Community/School Education Services
• School re-entry programs
• Parent and/or patient support
• Parent education

How can we reach Child Life at Scott & White?
Please visit the Contact Us section.

Who will you meet in the Child Life Department at Scott & White?

• Child Life Director—This person holds a master's degree and is a certified Child Life specialist that oversees all staff and coordinates all aspects of the Child Life department.
• Child Life Specialist—This person, who has earned a bachelor's or master's degree, has a background in development, education or psychology. This is the person who will coordinate Child Life services for all children, as well as provide educational and more "therapeutic" interventions.
• Child Life Assistant—This person has a background in normal growth and development. Assistants help provide the play activities for hospitalized children. They coordinate special events and activities in the playroom.
• Child Life Student—This person is a college student or a recent college graduate, who is studying to be a Child Life specialist and will participate in all aspects of Child Life programming under the supervision of Child Life staff.
• Child Life Volunteer—This person helps in all aspects of our play programming. Our volunteers come from various backgrounds, but all are trained to work with children and families in a healthcare setting.

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