Being in the hospital can be an unfamiliar and stressful environment for children and their families. Our Child Life staff work closely with pediatric patients to help them cope positively with their illness and hospitalization. They help each child understand what's going on and what to expect during their stay. They support children’s social and emotional needs by engaging in bedside and playroom activities to preserve childhood within the hospital setting. Child Life Services promote relaxation techniques and make sure that each child has the social interactions and educational services that are so important to childhood. Because a child’s hospitalization and recovery include the whole family, we have special programs and support for siblings and parents, too.
Programs & Services available at:
Kapiolani 808 983 8320
Kapiolani Child Life Services: 1-808-983-8320
Our Child Life Specialists coordinate with our doctors, nurses and other health professionals to provide patients with the best care possible.
Familiarization with Medical Procedures
Teaching children about medical procedures beforehand is an important part of helping them prepare. As the child learns what to expect, things will become less frightening.
Kapiolani’s 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.
Bedside and Playroom Activities
Play is essential during a child's hospital stay. Child Life Specialists encourage children to explore and fulfill their natural need to play which helps to minimize their fears and promote positive coping. Opportunities for cognitive growth, physical challenge, and social interaction are provided and encouraged daily.
The Playroom, located on the second floor, provides a safe and fun atmosphere for hospitalized children.
Playroom Hours:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 7 days a week
Patient and Family Support
Child Life Specialist’s provide family centered care through services that include:
- Play for therapeutic purposes
- Sibling support
- Relaxation/pain management techniques
- Parenting resources (developmentally appropriate activities, parenting skills, etc.)
- Legacy building and memory making support
Special Events
Child Life provides special activities and events to help bridge the gap between home and the hospital. Events include:
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Art programs
- Celebrity visits
- Holiday and birthday celebrations
- Community education
Playroom
Play is essential during a child's hospital stay. Child Life Specialists encourage children to explore and fulfill their natural need to play which helps to minimize their fears and promote positive coping. Opportunities for cognitive growth, physical challenge, and social interaction are provided and encouraged daily.
The Playroom, located on the second floor, provides a safe and fun atmosphere for hospitalized children. The Playroom is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Playroom Volunteers
Volunteers contribute to the Child Life Program by providing patients with appropriate activities in the Playroom and at the bedside, as well as assisting with special events, holidays and birthday celebrations.
If you are interested in becoming a Child Life Volunteer, please contact Volunteer Services at (808) 983-8281.
Child Life Student Clinical Experience
The Child Life Program at Kapiolani offers an in-depth clinical experience for students pursuing Child Life as a career. This clinical experience is offered once a year in the fall.
We are not currently accepting applications for this internship but please check back for more information.
Educational services are available to in-patients who miss two or more weeks of school due to their hospital admission or medical condition. Tutoring provides valuable cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation, which empowers the patient for an easier transition back to school.
The Educational Liaison may also assist you in communicating with your child’s school regarding their hospital stay and medical or educational needs upon discharge.
This service promotes relaxation and healing for patients and families using a holistic perspective. Integrated Services are offered Monday through Sunday upon volunteer availability. Volunteers are trained and specialize in mind-body healing modalities. Services for patients include Healing Touch, Reiki, Aromatherapy and Infant Massage.
- Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy that uses gentle, heart-centered touch to assist in balancing Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual well-being.
- Reiki is a Japanese technique centered around the “life force energy” that reduces stress and promotes healing and relaxation.
- Aromatherapy is an intervention that uses the scent of essential oils to promote relaxation and well-being while alleviating symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and anxiety.
- Infant Massage provides newborns with nurturing touch to promote health and early attachment.