Print this Page Children's Services & Programs UMC Children's Emergency Center Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Child Abuse Resources Community Resources Pediatric Surgery Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Pediatric Neurosurgery Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) Urology Cleft Palate Team Pediatric Subspecialities Cardiology Endocrinology Pediatric Gastroenterology Neurology Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Pediatric Waiting Room Pediatric Infectious Disease Pediatric Radiology Pulmonology Pediatric Inpatient Services The Children’s Behavioral Health Clinic Ronald McDonald House & Family Room Support Services Children's Miracle Network News, Events & Media News Locations & Contact Meet the Physicians Child Life Specialists How We Help Become a Child Life Volunteer Child Life Practicum Program How You Can Help Meet the Team What is a Child Life Specialists? Certified Child Life Specialists are educated and clinically trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury. Their role helps improve patient and family care, satisfaction, and overall experience. In both healthcare and community settings, Certified Child Life Specialists help infants, children, youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. They provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically-appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation for procedures, and education to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain.Our staff consists of trained professionals who have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, have completed a Child Life Internship and have successfully completed the Child Life Professional Certification Exam UMC Child Life Specialists:Prepare your child for procedures or surgeries using language that children understandProvide support and distraction during medical proceduresIntroduce coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and enhance cooperationHelp your child understand their diagnosis and treatmentOffer legacy building (keepsakes and memories) and grief supportProvide information, education and support for caregivers, siblings and other family membersOffer opportunities for play, socialization and expressive activitiesOur team has 5 Certified Child Life Specialists providing services to: PediatricsPediatric Intensive Care UnitPediatric Sedation ProgramOutpatient Surgery & Day SurgeryBurn UnitEndoscopyPediatric Hematology/Oncology ClinicConsults for children of adult patients undergoing care at UMC Contact InformationFor more information about the Child Life Department at UMC Children’s Hospital, please call 806.775.8836. If you are interested in learning more about the Child Life profession, please visit www.childlife.org.Learn MoreHow We HelpBecome a Child Life VolunteerChild Life Practicum ProgramHow You Can Help