Cardiovascular Child Life
Our Goal
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| Courtney CV Child Life Specialist |
Kassidy CV Child Life Specialist |
At Children’s of Alabama, the Child Life Program is dedicated to supporting children and families through the challenges of illness and hospitalization. We know these experiences can feel overwhelming, so our goal is to reduce stress and help children and families cope in positive, healthy ways. Through age-appropriate education, preparation, and supportive activities, we create opportunities for comfort, understanding, and resilience.
What is a Child Life Specialist?
Child Life Specialists are integral members of the healthcare team. They are specially trained to address the unique needs of children and teens in medical settings, holding at minimum a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, child and family studies, or a related field. All Child Life Specialists at Children’s of Alabama are certified through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), ensuring the highest standards of care.
How We Support Patients and Families
Child Life Specialists promote coping and resilience by:
- Providing psychological preparation tailored to each child’s developmental level for hospitalizations, procedures, and surgery
- Offering emotional support before, during, and after stressful events
- Using medical play to foster understanding, mastery, and expression of feelings
- Collaborating with Art and Music Therapists to provide holistic coping support and encourage creative expression
- Encouraging play and socialization in the playroom and at bedside
- Supporting siblings through education and preparation related to diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization
- Supporting parents and family members in promoting positive coping
- Advocating for family-centered care within the healthcare team
- Facilitating legacy-building projects to honor each child’s story and create meaningful keepsakes for families
- Coordinating special events, celebrations, and activities to encourage normalization and positive experiences
- Supervising trained volunteers who provide developmentally supportive play and family respite
Children’s of Alabama
Department of Cardiovascular Services
Child Life Program
1600 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
205-638-3434
