Child Life Program
The Child Life Department at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is staffed by certified Child Life Specialists and provides emotional and developmental support to children and their families to help minimize the stress and anxiety during a healthcare experience. Child Life works closely with our physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians and other resources to provide a full continuum of care for our pediatric patients.
Some Child Life activities and services include:
Hospital Homebound School Program
In partnership with the Broward County School Board, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has one Broward County schoolteacher on staff to help hospitalized children (from kindergarten age through high school) keep up with their schoolwork.
Lotsy Dotsy
Our patients (and grown-ups, too!) enjoy singing songs and playing with Lotsy Dotsy, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital's very special resident clown.
Medical Play
Our Child Life Specialists help patients become more comfortable with medical procedures through supervised play using dolls and real medical equipment.
Pain Management
We know that some procedures and treatments can hurt. Our certified Child Life Specialists help to distract children during painful procedures and assist recovering patients with developing strategies for coping with pain.
Pet-A-Pet Program
Some of our volunteers have four legs! Our team of fuzzy, four-legged pet volunteers spreads smiles throughout Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
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Special Activity Centers
Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital features several special activity centers where patients and their families can relax, play, watch TV, study, enjoy a snack and
do laundry.
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Teddy Bear Tours
Go behind the scenes at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital with our Teddy Bear Tours. Children (ages 3 and up) scheduled for surgery or special
procedures and their families can take a special tour of the hospital to familiarize themselves with the facility and learn what to expect during their hospital visit.
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For more information about the Child Life Program or to schedule a Teddy Bear Tour, contact a Child Life Specialist at (954) 987-2020, extension 4498.
