About Child Life
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) are trained professionals with backgrounds in child development, psychology, or related fields, along with special certification in Child Life. They support pediatric patients, their families and children of adult patients by helping them manage the stress and challenges of being in the hospital.
Child Life Specialists help children and families understand medical procedures, new diagnoses and injuries. They use activities like therapeutic play to reduce anxiety and promote coping. Their goal is to help children and families cope with their experiences, build resilience and support emotional well-being.
Child Life Specialists are available in the following areas:
Burn Center
Child Life Specialists at Parkland Burn Center provide crucial support to children who have burn injuries and their families. They provide age-appropriate education about treatments, preparation for procedures, and use play and distraction techniques to help reduce fear and anxiety while promoting emotional resilience. Child Life also support siblings and children of adult patients with emotional guidance and trauma-informed care.
When a child is ready to return to school and their community, Child Life helps with that transition. This may include peer education, school visits and personalized coping plans. Child Life also bring moments of joy and comfort through special programs and visitors, including KidLinks therapeutic music volunteers, Dec My Room, Laughter League clowns, and Burn Camp I-Thonka-Chi.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Child Life Specialists support for not only the tiniest patients but also their siblings and caregivers. Even in the earliest stages of life, developmental play is essential to help infants reach important milestones. Child Life encourages growth and bonding through sensory experiences, gentle touch and appropriate stimulation to help babies meet their needs.
Siblings often need help understanding why their new baby brother or sister is in the hospital. Child Life help ease this confusion by offering education and emotional support that fits each child's age and needs. They also guide caregivers in bonding with their baby and offer support during medical procedures or challenging moments.
Trauma Center
Child Life Specialists in the trauma department support children and their families experiencing sudden or life-threatening injuries. They use age-appropriate education, emotional support and preparation for procedures to help children cope with fear and confusion. Techniques like medical play, distraction and guided imagery help reduce anxiety and give kids a sense of control.
Child Life also supports the children and families of adult patients by helping them understand what is happening, manage emotional stress and access grief and bereavement resources when needed. They work closely with trauma teams and mental health providers to help ensure care is compassionate and family-centered.
Student Opportunities
Child Life Connection is offering shadowing opportunities for practicum students, as well as a 16-week internship experience in collaboration with other hospitals and community organizations.
For more information, please contact our Student Program Coordinator at Emily.Ha@phhs.org.
Contact Us
For more information and to contact Child Life, email ChildLife@phhs.org.
Hours
Monday - Friday | 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location
Parkland Memorial Hospital
5200 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, 75235
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