The Guiding Principle Behind The Children's Center At Presbyterian Is Family-Centered Care

The specialists in our Child Life Program work with a child's family to create an environment that fosters successful outcomes.  The goals of our Child Life program are:

• To work with parents and family members on skills that will allow them to cope productively with a child's illness
• To reduce stress
• To hasten recuperation

Christopher's Corner

Christopher's Corner, a nook of a room located in the Child Life Unit, is painted in a rainbow of colors and filled with many educational materials on children's health issues and treatments. There are books, artwork, a computer and printer, journals and toys galore.

"Christopher, one of our triplets, spent the first 22 months of his life in the hospital", Audrey, his mom, said.

And for most of that time, so did his Mom, Dad and four siblings.

"We all had so many questions about his illness and treatment and needed a quiet place to sit, read, absorb, and try to make sense of what was happening," she continued.

Gerard, Christopher's Dad and sometime woodworker, along with his employer, General Mills, donated the materials to create Christopher's Corner.  Gerard painted the room, built the furniture and made a sign for the door. Today, families retreat to this haven and use the educational materials to learn about children's illnesses and treatments.  They also gain reassurance to cope with the daily trials of hospitalization.

Medical Play

Child Life specialists work with children to reduce stress and anxiety.  Under the supervision of a Child Life Specialist, children take on the role of doctor or nurse and use rag dolls to rehearse upcoming medical procedures.  Rehearsing procedures on dolls helps children better understand what is going to happen, which leads to better cooperation and less fear. 

Child Life Services

• A playroom with a variety of toys and materials for all ages
• A teen lounge is available for older patients to visit
• Toys and materials may be taken to individual rooms
• Excursions to Rachel's Courtyard, our playground in the sky
• Nintendos, VCRs and movies available for viewing in hospital rooms
• Pet Therapy visits on Thursday afternoons
• Clowns visit at scheduled times and on holidays
• Birthday parties
• Christmas tree decorating, 4th of July picnics, Halloween, Easter Egg activities, and more

Child Life Staff Can:

• Help explain hospital procedures (medicines, IVs, operations) to patients and family members
• Interact with brothers and sisters who may not understand what is going on and need more information and support
• Arrange for school work to be done if a child is going to be hospitalized for more than 2 weeks

In Cooperation with the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation

Your contributions to the Child Life program will continue to help us furnish Christopher's Corner and purchase medical educational materials that will help us provide the highest quality care and outcomes for our infants, children and adolescents. Make a donation now.