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Programs & Services


Child Life Services

Provide psychosocial, developmental and educational support to children and families regarding illness and hospitalization at Alberta Children's Hospital.

This service supports children and families by:

  • teaching children and families about what to expect with medical procedures, surgeries, illness and hospitalization
  • helping children build coping strategies for stressful procedures such as IV starts, bloodwork and MRI through education and medical play
  • providing therapeutic interventions such as distraction, relaxation breathing, positions of comfort as part of child's coping plan
  • coordinating safe play spaces such as unit playrooms, art studio, outdoor sports field
  • providing developmental and therapeutic play interventions
  • facilitating group programs and special events
  • providing recreation and leisure education through recreational therapy programs
  • offering therapeutic/expressive arts interventions through music therapy and art therapy

Contact Details

Alberta Children's Hospital

Address
28 Oki Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta
T3B 6A8
Telephone
403-955-2593
Accessibility

Main entrance

Lifts accessible onsite


Elevators

Getting There

Parking map

Hours of Operation
Days of the Week

Monday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Tuesday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Wednesday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Thursday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Friday
7:30 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Access
Service Providers May Include
art therapists, child life specialists, music therapists, recreational therapists
Eligibility

All children and their families recieving care at Alberta Children's Hospital can request assistance from a Child Life Specialist.

Referral Needed

Healthcare provider must refer child.

Service Access

Healthcare providers should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for service referral information.

For more information or assistance from a Child Life Specialist for your hospitalized child or teen, please ask someone in the the program area your child is admitted to.


Wait Times

An estimated wait time will be provided at the time of appointment booking.