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Hospitalization can be a difficult time for children and their families. At UMC, we recognize the special needs of our families utilizing our Pediatric, Pediatric Intensive Care, Day Surgery, and Pediatric Emergency facilities. In addition to the excellent acute care staff, UMC employs Child Life Specialists to help children and their families navigate the often unfamiliar hospital setting.

Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals who focus on the emotional and developmental needs of our patients. Using play as their primary means of communication, Child Life Specialists strive to reduce the trauma of hospitalization on children. Services provided by the Child Life staff include emotional support for the child and family; preparation for procedures; medical play and teaching; sibling support; play therapy; developmental assessments; and bereavement support. Child Life Specialists are trained to see the hospital through the eyes of a child.

The Child Life Program at UMC is available to our patients and families free of charge. A Child Life Specialist is available seven days a week, during daytime hours. For more information, please call (702) 383-3939 or (702) 383-3949 and ask for a Child Life Specialist.