The Child Life team knows it’s important for kids to be kids—even when they’re in the hospital. The Child Life Department at Miller Children’s Hospital features a staff of more than 20 certified Child Life Specialists, all of whom have bachelors or masters degrees in child development or a related field. Certified Child Life Specialists have completed extensive student/volunteer internships and obtained national certifications.
Child Life Specialists are available seven-days a week and are located throughout the hospital. A certified Child Life specialist is assigned to every center/unit in the hospital, even centers and clinics where patients don’t spend the night, but need support. Miller Children’s knows the value of medical play and support, so where there is a child, a child life specialist can be reached. If needed, Child Life Specialists can even provide support and comfort to children of the adult patients who are staying next door at Long Beach Memorial.