March is recognized as #ChildLifeMonth and we are celebrating all month long. Our incredible team of certified Child Life specialists at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio are second to none and we are grateful for every single one.
The Children’s Hospital is home to the largest Child Life department in South Central Texas and we are proud of the work our specialists do. Our Child Life specialists (and Marcus, our in-house therapy dog) work to create an environment that may ease a child’s fears and provide important emotional and social care to make the hospital experience as pleasant as possible for both the child and the family. Child Life specialists are academically prepared in child psychology, child and family development, education, and creative art therapies. They provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically appropriate interventions to reduce stress and anxiety through preparation and support for procedures, education on coping strategies and non-pharmacological pain management techniques, therapeutic play, and more!
During a patient’s stay, they, as well as their families, are introduced to their child life specialist who will offer them a sense of normalcy through special activities, art projects, holiday celebrations, and much more. Throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022, telepresence robots were used to provide bedside activities, including music therapy, video chats with family members, and so much more. Closed-circuit television programs were set up in lieu of group activities, where patients were able to tune-in via their individual rooms for fun activities. While still maintaining safe social distancing practices, patients are given the chance to step away from their rooms, or their siblings’ rooms, and have some much needed fun in our Child Life Zone.
The Child Life Zone at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio features 4,000 square feet of state-of-the-art recreational therapy space, allowing kids to escape from the hospital routine, socialize with peers, meet clinical goals for movement in a fun way, have opportunities for self expression, and more. It’s truly a remarkable space for our patients and families.
We would like to say THANK YOU to our team of child life specialists. The work they do each and every day is a true testament to their kind and compassionate hearts.
The Child Life department relies heavily on donors like you to be able to continue the work they do for our patients and families. We encourage you to support The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation with a gift in celebration of Child Life month.
CHRISTUS Children's Foundation 
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