Hershey

A day in Child Life: How they work with Penn State Hershey's youngest patients

Kate Denlinger, a certified child life specialist, meets with patient Kaitlyn Teeter, 5, prior to a procedure she regularly receives at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Kaitlyn decorates a doll that can accompany her into surgery, since mom and dad are not able to be there. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Hospitals can be scary places for children.

Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital has a team of certified child life specialists (CCLSs) who help children feel comfortable and safe -- to help them understand that the doctors and nurses want to help them get better.

While their days may seem filled with toys, games and a whole lot of Playdoh, the role of a child life specialist is so much more.

“Child life addresses the psycho-social, emotional, and developmental needs of pediatric patients and families in any kind of health care setting,” said Ashley Kane, Child Life manager.

Child life specialists are constantly on the go and reprioritizing when things do not go as planned.

To explore a day in Child Life, check out this Penn State Medicine article.

Last Updated March 17, 2015

Contact