Child Life

Child life specialists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital use developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions and play to help patients and their families cope with illness, injury, treatment and hospitalization. Our team works closely with families and health care staff to support each child’s physical and emotional needs during their medical experience.

Our internationally certified child life specialists provide care and support for newborns to age 21 and strive to reduce fear and stress as much as possible. Through therapy, coping support and play, our specialists provide activities to help patients and their families better understand a diagnosis and manage stressful health care experiences.

Patient and Family Support

Our team provides helpful resources to help both inpatients and outpatients feel more comfortable and prepared during their hospital experience.

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Programs and Services

Our specially trained child life specialists provide many services to help patients and families understand and cope with hospitalization.

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Clinical Education Experiences

The child life clinical internship program is designed for both undergraduate students at the end of their academic program and graduate students.

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Volunteer with Us

Our volunteers play an important role in the experiences of our patients and families. Learn about our opportunities and find the option that is best for you.

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Read inspiring stories about our child life bringing joy to families:

What Parents Can Expect at the Hospital Emergency Center

On this week’s On Call for All Kids, Rayna Emerson, Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital explains what parents should expect during an emergency center visit and how to be an advocate.

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Routine Check-up Turned Birthday Surprise

Hospital stays, hurricanes and chemotherapy won't keep this birthday girl from celebrating.

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A Dad Distraction

While her baby sister and mom are in the NICU, Zoey, 3, takes a break from big sister duties with her dad in RJ’s Activity Center.

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Amazing Gracie

When 4-year-old Gracie’s fleeting neck pain made for a difficult diagnosis, her pediatrician referred her to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Under the expert care of surgeons George Jallo, M.D., and Jerry Tuite, M.D., Gracie is now on her journey to recovery.

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All Kids Wonderland Delivers for Patients’ Parents

Donations of toys and other items collected throughout the year help bring the joy of the holiday season to patients and families at Johns Hopkins All Children’s.

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