
Child Life
Our team of child life specialists at UNC work with patients and families to improve their overall health care experience. Using appropriate teaching tools, we help prepare children and their families for upcoming health care experiences and life-altering events. We build relationships with our patients and their families, and provide support based on individual needs. We use evidence-based interventions including therapeutic play, psychological preparation for procedures and coaching through medical experiences. Our services are available to all families at the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.
What Services Do Child Life Specialists Offer?
- Preparation and support before, during, and after medical procedures
- Pain-management techniques
- Emergency and trauma-related support
- Medical and recreational play
- Kid-friendly explanation of medical terminology
- Education on coping skills
- Tours before surgery upon request
Where Do Child Life Specialists work at UNC?
Child Life works in all areas of the hospital, including the following specialty areas:
- Emergency Department
- Hematology/Oncology Clinic
- Inpatient Pediatric Floors
- North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
- Newborn Critical Care Center
- Children’s Specialty Clinic
- Pre-operative Support and Pediatric Sedation
- Other areas upon request
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - 2021
Tuesday | October 26
- T1D virtual support group 11y-14y
Wednesday | October 27
- Virtual “Photovoice” Photography group for Teens for UNC Peds Hem-Onc teens ages 14+. Registration required. Contact: meghan.fox@unchealth.unc.edu
- First Tee of the Triangle Junior Clinic presented by Sprouts Farmers Market
Friday | November 12
Thursday | November 18
- T1D Virtual parent presentation by Jennifer Sutton, LPC on Antiety 7 - 8 pm
Tuesday | November 30
- Sib support group 530 - 7 pm
Thursday | December 2
- T1D virtual support group 11y-14y
Tuesday | December 28
- Sib support group 530 - 7pm
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - 2022
Saturday | January 8
Thursday | January 27
- T1D: Managing Anger; parent speaker presentation 7 pm
Saturday | April 9
Saturday | June 4