Child Life Program/Playroom

What is Child Life?

Hospitalization can be a frightening and confusing experience for children, teens and their families. Kapi'olani's Child Life Program is here to help our patients cope with hospitalization and treatment. Our staff provides support for our patients' emotional needs, which is a vital part of the treatment process.

Specially Trained Staff

Our Child Life Specialists hold degrees in Child Life, Child Development, Education or a related field. They work closely with patients to help them understand what's going on and what to expect. Child Life Specialists also coordinate with our physicians, nurses and other health professionals to provide patients with the best care possible.

Our Child Life team also includes dedicated interns and volunteers.

We Can Help

Kapi'olani Medical Center's Child Life Program is committed to making your child's hospital stay as positive as possible. Services include:

For More Information
If you have questions, please call us at (808) 983-8320 or send an e-mail.

Familiarization with Medical Procedures

Teaching children about medical procedures beforehand is an important part of helping them prepare. As your child learns what to expect, things will become less frightening.

Our Child Life Specialists use special activities like medical play, needle therapy, preoperative tours and pre-procedural teaching to help children deal with their treatment and hospital stay.

Special dolls and medical equipment are used as tools to help children "act out" medical procedures, which helps to ease their fears.

Bedside and Playroom Activities

Play is essential during a child's hospital stay. Our Child Life Specialists lead play sessions, encouraging children to explore and fulfill their natural need to play. This helps children deal with their fears, reassures them and helps promote positive feelings. Play activities are offered in our Playroom and at the bedside. Opportunities for cognitive growth, physical challenge, and social interaction are provided and encouraged daily.

The Playroom, which is located on the second floor, provides a safe and fun atmosphere for hospitalized children and their siblings. Siblings must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Playroom Hours:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 7 days a week

For your child's and family's added convenience, the Ohana Room is also available on the second floor. Please check with the volunteer as the hours vary.

Patient and Family Support

A Child Life Specialists' frequent contact with patients and their families during hospitalization enables them to establish supportive relationships with the child and family, monitor responses to medical events, and provide helpful information to the family. Additional services include:

  • Sibling Support
  • Relaxation/Pain Management Techniques
  • Family Support Group
  • Parenting Resources (Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Parenting Skills, etc.)

Special Events

Child Life provides special activities and events to help bridge the gap between home and the hospital. Events include:

  • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Celebrity Visits
  • Entertainment
  • Holiday and birthday celebrations

Community education through school tours and Teddy Bear Clinics are also provided.