Child Life Program
A hospital stay can be stressful for a child. Children miss home and everyday life, and may experience fear and confusion. Children deserve to understand what is happening to them.
The University of Maryland Children's Hospital’s child life specialists help children understand these feelings and medical experiences through play, education and support.
Our child life professionals play a crucial role in supporting children and their families. They provide opportunities for building independent behavior, retaining self-esteem and continuing with regular daily activities.
In addition, the team, with the help of volunteers and the community, offers fun activities that allow for creativity and self-expression.
Child Life Team
As professionals trained to work with children in medical environments, child life specialists have bachelor’s or master's degrees in child life, child health, child development, family studies or recreation therapy.
They work closely with the medical team to address the developmental and psycho-social needs of children and families. Our child life assistants are responsible for running our activity rooms and assist the specialists in providing activities for children at the bedside.
Child Life Education
The University of Maryland Children's Hospital offers both practicum and internship opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in child life.
If you have questions, please contact the University of Maryland Children's Hospital Child Life Program at 410-328-7440.