Child Life Program
The Child Life Program
is a specialized service providing play opportunities for patients and
families of the Kentucky Children's Hospital. Play helps each
child continue his or her normal growth and development and eases the
stress families experience while the child is in the hospital. The Child
Life
staff and volunteers offer a variety of activities including special
programs in the Treehouse Playroom; individualized activities in the
patient's own
room; closed circuit television programs on channel 13; preparation for
procedures; assisting families in using technology to find information,
and encouraging reading. The Child Life Program has three playrooms,
a Multi-Media Center, and a Family Resource Center.
The Treehouse Playroom
is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. A schedule
of activities is posted outside the playroom. Children may borrow toys
and games from this room. The East Wing Playroom which is designed
for infants and toddlers is open daily. The West Wing Recreation Room
is
being renovated for older youth and adolescents.
The Multi-Media Room
has computers for patients to use. The Family Resource Center offers
reading materials for all ages. Information
about children's
health and illness can be obtained through this center. Volunteers
open these rooms on a regular basis.
For the safety and well being
of all the children visiting the Child Life areas, please follow
these simple rules.
- Children should be supervised by an adult at all times
while in the playrooms.
- Everyone entering the Child Life areas should wash his or her hands to
prevent the spreading of germs.
- Drinks and food are not allowed in the Child Life areas.
- Toys, games, puzzles, and books should be returned to their proper places.
Volunteers are a vital part of the Child Life Program. During your
stay in the Children's Hospital, volunteers may stop in to ask if
your child would
like something
from the Child Life Program. Feel free to request appropriate playthings
for your child and request that the volunteer play with your child
while you take
a break. If you have questions about play opportunities for your
child, please contact the Child Life Office by dialing (859) 323-6551.
School
Program
The Kentucky Children's Hospital has a teacher available
for all school-aged children who are in the hospital for at least
five school days.
The teacher is provided
by the Fayette County Board of Education, so she works according
to the Fayette County school calendar. She communicates with the
child's regular
school
and teachers to determine what work the child needs to complete.
The child is enrolled
in the hospital school program and is not counted absent while
in the hospital. The teacher tutors children individually in their
hospital rooms.
Usually
the child's regular school sends books and assignments to be
used in the hospital.
Family members often bring these items to the hospital for
the child. Upon discharge, the teacher communicates with the regular
school
about the
child's
school progress
in the hospital. The hospital teacher can help complete forms
for homebound instruction, if that is ordered by the physician.
The teacher
can be
reached by calling (859)
257-4503.
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