Community Outreach: Child Life Program

The Child Life Program offers services to patients at the Ronald McDonald® Children’s Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center who are faced with hospitalization, new diagnoses and medical treatments. We offer psychosocial support to children and their family through creative play, music and art activities, therapeutic interventions, pet therapy, and special resources. The program was established in the late 1970s and is housed in The Playroom of the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital. The service is free to all in-pediatric patients, 0-18 years of age and their families.

The Child Life staff consist of two certified child life specialists (CCLS), five Foster Grandmas, and approximately 25 volunteers who work throughout the week. The multidisciplinary staff offers children in the pediatrics, neonatal, burn and pediatric intensive care units a variety of services and “TLC” to help heal their spirit while they receive medical treatment. Click here to learn more about the programs that Child Life offers.

Philosophy
The staff of Child Life recognizes that play and recreational activities enable children and adolescents the ability to normalize the hospital environment and reduce the stress associated with their illness and hospitalization. By developing and implementing play activities, therapeutic interventions and supportive resources, we can offer appropriate pediatric psychosocial care.

The Playroom
The pediatric playroom is located on the fourth floor across from the pediatric nursing station. It is fully equipped with age appropriate toys for all children. There is a dramatic play area designed for young children to explore their environment, and a huge game closet filled with educational games and activities to do in the playroom or at bedside. You also can find a variety of educational activities for parents to read and do in the parent corner. If you need some diversional time for you and your child, feel free to check out a video or a video game for your room. All these materials are offered to you and your family during playroom hours. Click here to see The Playroom.

Through the Child Life Program, children and their families also receive hands-on tours prior to hospitalization so that they can familiarize themselves with their surroundings. To learn more about the program and its services, call (877) 216-KIDS.