Child Life Program
A visit to the hospital can be scary for children and families. As Certified Child Life Specialists at Providence Alaska Children's Hospital, we are here to support your family. We are trained in child development, coping, and medical preparation in order to provide techniques to help minimize your child’s anxieties and fears about their care. We use play as a primary tool, along with many therapeutic activities and developmentally appropriate interventions.
Our team focuses on the psychosocial needs of patients and families to:
- Reduce stress and trauma
- Build coping skills
- Prepare for various medical procedures
- Build therapeutic relationships
- Support siblings
- Help navigate grief and bereavement
For more information about the field of child life, please visit the Association of Child Life Professionals’ website at www.ChildLife.org.
- PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)
- Pediatric Unit
- Outpatient Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Emergency Department
Your family is welcome to ask for our services, which are free of charge, at any time during your hospital visit or stay. To reach us, please call the child life department at 907-212-8222 or ask any care team member to put in a child life consult in Epic.
Students
Please email the child life department for questions and inquiries about child life student opportunities pamcchildlife@providence.org or call our number 907-212-8222 to speak to one of our team members.
Hospital volunteers play an important role in reducing the anxieties and fears of patients and their siblings. They can visit your child’s room to play, read or take a walk. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Volunteer Services at 907-212-3100 or visit our webpage to learn more.
The child life program provides opportunities for special events and pre-screened visitors to the pediatric floor. Visitors can help normalize the hospital experience and bring some fun to our pediatric patients during their stays. To request visiting, please call 907-212-8222.
The child life program and Providence Alaska Children's Hospital always welcomes donations of new items. Visit our wish list or the Providence Foundation website to learn more.
Providence Alaska Foundation strives to promote a healthy community by raising funds for programs, projects, initiatives and issues that address the health needs of Alaskans. Join us in the work of finding amazing ways to touch lives. Your efforts are strengthened in partnership with Providence to maximize your reach and impact.