171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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Child Life
 Hospital and medical experiences can be upsetting for children and may interfere with normal
childhood activities. The purpose of the child life program is to encourage emotional well-being
and normal development in healthcare settings through the use of play, education and support.
MUSC Children's Hospital provides child life specialists on all inpatient units, in ambulatory
clinics, pediatric perioperative areas and the pediatric emergency department.
The child life staff have specialized training and experience in understanding children's
reactions to illness and hospitalization. The child life department is staffed by professionals
who hold degrees in child life, child development, education and related fields. As part of the
MUSC Children's Hospital team, the staff utilize their skills to support and promote the
developmental progress and emotional well-being of children.
The goals of the child life department are as follows:
- To facilitate play opportunities, at the bedside and in playrooms, which enhance continued growth and development.
- To create a sense of normalcy by helping children maintain independence, self-esteem and control.
- To minimize stress by encouraging positive coping behaviors.
- To help children prepare for and understand medical procedures and experiences.
The child life department offers a variety of services including:
- Therapeutic/diagnostic play
- Developmental activities
- Preparation for procedures and surgery
- Parent education and family support
- Individualized playroom and bedside interventions
- Support for brothers and sisters
- Support groups
- Staff, student and community education
- Volunteer opportunities
- Special events for pediatric patients
The child life staff encourage play time. Children of all ages learn about their world, and how to
cope with new experiences by playing. Through play, children can express their feelings and gain a
sense of control. Toys can serve as children's words and play as their language. Reading stories,
painting pictures and participating in medical play - before, during and after procedures and
hospitalization - are some ways children learn about and cope with their healthcare experiences.
Watching your child at play and talking to your child about his or her play, may help you
understand concerns, fears and fantasies related to healthcare.
The Child Life Atrium is a safe haven where there are no invasive medical procedures or questions. It is set up in
age-specific "centers" designed to meet the interests of infants and toddlers, school-age children and teens. For
safety, children under five years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Child Life Atrium Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., 2 - 4 p.m., 5 - 7 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 2 - 4 p.m.
Toys and books for patients and their brothers and sisters are available for check-out from the Atrium Toy and Book Lending
Libraries. Selected items may be chosen for play and reading in the patient's hospital room. A member of the child life staff
is available to assist.
Our child life staff will work closely with you and your child during your hospital visit.
Together, we can make your child's healthcare experience a positive one.
If you need to contact our child life department, please call (843) 792-7064.
Also visit:
Child Life: meeting needs of patient & family
How to become a child life specialist
Child Life internship overview
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