Child Life

St. Luke’ s Children’s Hospital demonstrates its strong commitment to children and their special needs through the support of programs such as Child Life. Child Life Specialists work as part of the interdisciplinary team to minimize the psychological stress and pain related to hospitalization, and promote the optimum development of children and their families by helping them maintain normal living routines.

Child Life provides age-appropriate procedural preparation and support to children experiencing a wide range of invasive procedures. Without such opportunities, children often formulate their own ideas and misconceptions regarding their care. For some children, preparation begins with a “Pre-Surgery Tour.” These tours, offered weekly to children with scheduled surgeries, and their families, allow the opportunity to become familiar with hospital surroundings prior to surgery. If you and your child would like to attend our Pre-Surgery Tour, please call the Child Life Department at (208) 381-4758. We also offer an Online Pre-Surgery Tour.

In Pediatrics and PICU, Child Life staff and support enables children and families to master anxiety-arousing situations and foster coping skills, resulting in more comfortable, cooperative, and successful situations.

Child Life Specialists offer developmentally appropriate play opportunities that allow children to participate in normal activity and socialization, giving children a sense of control in the daily hospital setting. The Child Life team also plans birthday and holiday celebrations and introduces special guests, such as clowns and local sports figures.