Child Life

The hospital is a place of healing. And for kids at Corewell Health Children’s in Southeast Michigan, child life team members are important members of your child’s care team.

During a time that can be confusing and overwhelming, child life specialists help families cope with the challenges of the health care environment. We work to reduce emotional trauma and anxiety, provide opportunities for learning and play, and simply let kids be kids. Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are trained professionals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in child development, psychology, education, or therapeutic recreation.

The child life team can provide:

Developmental play

Art, music, and other forms of creative and developmental play keep kids energized and encouraged during their stay.

Educational support

We provide learning opportunities and coordinate with your child’s school to help them meet their academic goals.

Medical procedural support

We help families understand their child’s diagnosis, prepare for medical procedures, and create plans for navigating the next steps.

Pain management

We teach relaxation, distraction, and coping techniques to help kids reduce anxiety and discomfort.

Animal therapy

Our trained therapy dogs and special animal visits provide comfort and emotional support for children and families. These visits help reduce stress and anxiety, encourage positive social interactions, and create moments of joy and normalcy during medical care.

Art therapy

Art therapy helps build physical and emotional strength and resilience, while helping kids manage stress, strengthen fine motor skills, gain a sense of confidence and control, and learn to express themselves. Our specially trained and licensed art therapist offers group and individual sessions designed to encourage creative expression during your child’s hospital stay.

Hospital school

School doesn’t have to stop just because a child is in the hospital. Our on-site school program, led by a Michigan-certified teacher, helps reduce future academic concerns and gives you and your child a sense of normalcy during medical treatment. The following services are available for kids experiencing long-term hospital stays:

• Collaboration with your child’s school to help them meet academic milestones
• Educational opportunities tailored to your child’s unique needs
• Group school time for hands-on learning activities, homework support, and making new friends
• Tutoring at your child’s bedside

Music therapy

The music therapy program provides a safe and fun atmosphere for children to relax, play, and be themselves. Our board-certified music therapist collaborates directly with your child’s care team to provide personalized music therapy sessions that help kids and families learn coping skills, express their feelings and creativity, and make positive memories through music-making and listening.

Special events

We regularly invite special guests and host special events for children and families throughout the year, including:

Our program is 100% funded by donations through Children’s Miracle Network. If you would like to support our work, please consider making a contribution.