7th District Association Beneficiary
Child Life at Beth Israel Med Center
website: Beth Israel
Beth Israel Medical Center is a 1,106-bed, full-service tertiary teaching
hospital that was founded on Manhattan's Lower East Side before the turn of the
20th century. Beth Israel originally was dedicated to serving a vulnerable population
in that community. Now a century later, the Medical Center serves individuals and
families from every walk of life throughout New York City and beyond.
An important service at Beth Israel is to provide a Child Life Specialist to children and families in need. Child life Specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events. Without the assistance of a professional who understands their unique perspective, children of all ages may experience emotions such as fear, shame, confusion and loneliness, which can inhibit their natural development and have lasting negative effects on their well-being.
Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, child life specialists:
- Ease a child’s fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational play activities
- Encourage understanding and cooperation by providing non-medical preparation and support for children undergoing tests, surgeries, and other medical procedures
- Advocate for family-centered care
- Engage and energize children and families by coordinating special events, entertainment, and activities
- Consider the needs of siblings or other children who may also affected by a child’s illness or trauma
- Direct pre-admission hospital tours and resources, and consultations with outpatient families
- Support families confronting grief and bereavement issues
- Provide education and resources for parents and members of the interdisciplinary team
Child Life staff are required to have an undergraduate degree in a number of disciplines related to the child development field, complete a 480 hour supervised internship as well as pass a national certifying examination. Many staff members also hold multiple degrees in higher education covering a variety of specialties and services along with additional certifications.
The American Academy of Pediatrics affirms that Child Life is “an essential component of quality pediatric health care”, and as such, Child Life services have become a standard in most pediatric hospital settings.
The Seventh District Association's support of the Child Life program at Beth Israel is an important part of our charitable work.