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Novack Family Child Life Services

We understand that a hospital stay or visit can be challenging for children and their families. Child Life Specialists are trained child development professionals who work with children and families to help them cope with the potential stressors associated with their hospitalization and illness. As a member of the care team, your Child Life Specialist supports you and your child during a hospital stay, surgery or a visit to the pediatric emergency department.

Novack Family Child Life ServicesNovack Family Child Life Specialists are assigned to every pediatric inpatient unit including the Pediatrics Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Child Life Specialists are also available via outpatient services such as same day surgery, radiology, emergency services and the pediatric specialty care center.

Child Life Specialists are also available to:

  • Encourage understanding and cooperation by providing preparation and support for children undergoing tests, surgeries and other medical procedures (including pre-op tours).
  • Provide opportunities for therapeutic medical play. Through exploration and play, children have the opportunity to learn about the hospital in a non-threatening manner.
  • Provide therapeutic play to help your child express feelings associated with hospitalization.
  • Offer play opportunities for normalized growth and development. Activities and games that let your child feel mastery over a situation and more in control over his or her hospital experience varies play spaces available on each unit.

Girl playing with toys

Pediatric Surgery Tour

The Pediatric Surgery Tour helps parents and their children become more familiar with the hospital environment before the day of surgery. To schedule your tour with a Child Life Specialist, please call (415) 600-0808. Please schedule the tour at least a week in advance.

What to Expect

Tours are appropriate for patients aged 3+ and their families. Your 20-minute interactive tour will enable you and your child to:

  • Get familiar with the hospital experience through fun activities.
  • Take a tour of the recovery room and a virtual tour of the operating room.
  • Ask any questions you have.

Video Tour

For families unable to attend a surgery tour in person, we have created a video with all the essential information.

  • Pediatric Surgery at Sutter Health CPMC (Video)

Antepartum Child Life Services

Child Life Specialists are available to meet with women who are hospitalized or put on bed rest prior to birth to discuss the impact on children at home. We provide support and resources that focus on the emotional and developmental needs of your children during this time. Our goal is to help minimize the effects of bed rest and hospitalization on older siblings. Specialists are available to support parents in finding appropriate bed rest activities for children visiting the hospital and at home. To speak with a Child Life Specialist in the NICU or Antepartum Department, please call (415) 600-0714.

Child Life Programs

  • Expressive Arts Therapy — Offers the opportunity to engage in painting, drawing, movement, drama, music, poetry, guided imagery, and storytelling.
  • Music Therapy — Offers patients and their families the opportunity to receive Music Therapy services from a Board Certified Music Therapist.
  •  SPCA Animal Assisted Dog visits on Pediatrics — Our inpatient Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Units receive a scheduled weekly visit from a trained and certified animal through the San Francisco SPCA. Accompanied by their handler and a Child Life specialist, these animals provide comfort, fun and a lot cuddling for children and their families during their admission.For more information about how you can participate in the SPCA animal assisted therapy programs please contact the San Francisco SPCA.

    Little girl with therapy dog in hospital

  • Medical Clown Project — Our inpatient Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit receive a weekly visit from the medical clowns, "Using the healing powers of joy and laughter to balance the stress and anxiety while recovering from illnesses, the Medical Clown Project provides a unique form of therapy to adults and children in healthcare settings. Healthcare clowning creates therapeutic connections in order to maintain humanity with levity for the patients and the medical team.

  • Child Life Internship Program — Find out how to become an intern in the Child Life Internship Program.
  • Child Life Volunteer Opportunities — Find out how to volunteer with the child life program.

Related Content

  • Pediatric Infectious Disease Program
  • Kalmanovitz Child Development Program
  • Child Life Internship Program at CPMC
  • Pediatric Services
  • Pediatric Education and Support Programs
  • Pediatric Specialty Care

Philanthropy

Transforming Children's Health in San Francisco

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You can be a catalyst in transforming children's care in San Francisco. Join Ken and Debby Novack and invest in the best services for children in our community.

Give Now to Children's Health at CPMC

Services Near You

CPMC Birth Center, Van Ness Campus

CPMC Birth Center, Van Ness Campus

1101 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 600-6000

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