Child Life

Coming to a medical center can feel overwhelming and even scary to young patients. The Child Life specialists at Cook Children's Medical Center — Prosper are here to help. Our experience tells us that most children share similar worries when facing a health care encounter. These concerns include:

Fear of pain
Lack of routine
Loss of control
Unfamiliar environment

Child Life specialists work with kids and families to overcome these feelings. They provide play and recreational opportunities to promote growth, development and some much needed fun. They also prepare and support your child through tests and procedures. If your family needs help coping, they can help with that, too. Best of all, their services are free.

Our Child Life team

Child Life is a highly valued program at Cook Children's. Our Child Life specialists serve on many hospital-wide committees, task forces and councils. Their involvement ensures there's always a focus on children and what's best for them.

Child Life specialists are trained in human development, with a focus on children. Their education includes a bachelor's or master's degree with a semester-long practicum and clinical internship. They must pass an exam and engage in continuing education to maintain their certification.

Child Life services at Cook Children's Medical Center – Prosper

Child Life specialists can help with:

Activities and toys for families to engage in while in their hospital room
Assistance with coping strategies, distractions and support during medical tests and procedures
Celebrations of birthdays, holidays and other milestones and essential life experiences
Developmental assessments and referrals to community resources
Developmentally appropriate teaching about diagnoses, treatments and life changes
Medical play to explore medical equipment and remove fear
Preparation for medical exams, procedures and surgeries
Support for siblings and other visiting family members
Visits to a child's school after a serious illness or injury to ease the transition back to classes and help classmates understand

Play is serious business for Child Life

At Cook Children's, we know how important play is. It can bring comfort and joy to a child facing the difficult challenges of a hospital stay, illness or injury. Child Life staff provide play opportunities to:

Encourage understanding and self-expression
Gain control over the environment
Have fun
Improve mood and relieve stress
Increase social interactions
Promote normal development

These opportunities are available in the playrooms on every floor. We also bring activities to the bedsides of children who aren't able to leave their rooms. Many of our specialty clinics also have Child Life specialists available.

Other programs arranged by Child Life

We offer patients and families opportunities to participate in other programs, including:

Volunteering with Child Life

Volunteers play an essential role in supporting the Child Life program. Child Life volunteers partner with staff to help make a stay at our medical center more comfortable for our patients and their families.

Are you interested in becoming a Child Life volunteer? Learn more about volunteering at Cook Children's.

Contact us

Contact a Child Life specialist at 945-204-3150 for information about hours and availability to assist your child during their stay.

Are you a Child Life student or interested in learning more about how to become a certified Child Life specialist? Find out more about the opportunities available at Cook Children's for Child Life students.