Child Life Specialists (CLS) assist children and families in coping with hospitalization and health care experiences. Education is provided regarding child development and health care for children, parents, staff, and volunteers. This includes information on safety issues for various ages, and health care procedures such as surgery and other medical procedures. Pediatric patients admitted to the hospital, clinic, emergency department, or urgent care for preventable injuries work with a CLS to discuss prevention in age-appropriate terminology. The CLS works with the patient and family on issues surrounding blame and guilt. Community outreach activities include teaching monthly parenting classes and education in classrooms of children ages 4 and 5 years regarding health care and injury prevention.
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