Child Life Services

WakeMed's Child Life program is designed especially for children ages 0 to 17.  Our primary goals are to:

• prepare children for hospitalization, surgery and medical procedures. Child Life Specialists use several methods, including talking about the procedure, reviewing preparatory photo albums and videos, medical play and hospital tours.
• provide child and adolescent-friendly environments with playrooms, movies, video games and other developmentally appropriate activities.     
• provide support and coping education to help with pain management, medical procedures and general fears of hsopitalization.
• advocate the child's point of view to hospital personnel.  Child Life Specialists are liaisons, helping children and their caregivers relate to one another in a positive way.
• lend emotional and educational support to parents, siblings and other family members.

Who are Child Life Specialists?

At WakeMed, the role of a Child Life Specialist is two-fold.  We help children cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompanies a hospital experience.  At the same time, we promote normal growth and development for children - both in the health care setting and after children return home.

Each of our Child Life Specialists has a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, recreational therapy, or other related field.  After completing 480 hours of paid work or internship under the supervision of a certified Child Life Specialist, they are required to pass a board examination given by the Child Life Council in order to become certified.  

Where are Child Life Specialists found?

WakeMed Child Life Specialists are located in different departments throughout the hospital system, including the Children's Emergency Department, the Pediatric Floor, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Day Surgery.  You may find a Specialist comforting a child with a broken arm in the Children's ED, while another  provides therapeutic activities for the child having tonsils removed in Day Surgery. 

Child Life Specialist Student Training Programs

WakeMed offers Child Life intern and practicum placement programs three times each year for individuals interested in a career as a child life services professional.  To apply for a placement, you must complete an application process that includes an interview (on-site preferred).  For more information,  click here.

Student Workshop

The Child Life Specialists at WakeMed offer a student workshop for students interested in pursuing a career in child life or a related field. To learn more about the workshop, click here.  For a registration form, click here.