Child Life Program

At the UMass Memorial Medical Center – Children’s Medical Center, we want our patients to feel comfortable and safe. That’s why we provide a range of Child Life services that help relieve stress and anxiety in children of all ages. Our certified Child Life Specialists provide age-appropriate support, education and activities.

Child Life Services

Our Child Life Program provides a range of services, including:

Kid’s Comfort Promise

Kid’s Comfort Promise is our approach to decreasing the pain and emotional stress from shots, blood draws and IVs. Learn more about how we help kids cope with health care experiences.  

Animal-Assisted Therapy Dog Program

Our resident therapy dogs have specialized training in being cuddly health care helpers. They can demonstrate medical procedures or just be there for a snuggle and a pat. 

The Animal-Assisted Therapy program began with a grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and their Dogs for Joy Program. Today, it continues through the generosity of donors. Learn more about donating to our therapy dog program.

Robin the Robot

We’re the first children’s hospital on the East Coast and the third in the U.S. to use a human-assisted robot in our care. Robin, an interactive robot, helps children cope with medical experiences. Using emotional expression and empathy, Robin is a listening ear and offers comfort during challenges, celebrations and everything in between. 

Music Therapy

Our music therapy program uses the power of music to address our young patients’ physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Our music therapists provide a therapeutic outlet that complements a child’s medical treatment and promotes healing.

NICU Child Life Specialist

Having a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be challenging, and siblings of the new baby often have a range of emotions. Our dedicated NICU Child Life Specialist provides support and education for siblings, helping them feel seen and comforted. Learn more about our NICU.

Tutoring Program

Hospital stays and medical issues can make it challenging for kids to keep up with schoolwork. Our Child Life team connects with your child’s teachers to help your child stay on track. We can also arrange tutors when needed.

Special Events and Entertainment

We mark special occasions like birthdays, holiday traditions and treatment milestones. Our team also hosts regular events and entertainers to help make your child’s hospital stay more comforting.

Child Life Internship

We offer a full-time, 16-week Child Life internship opportunity. Learn more about our internship.  

Benefits of Child Life Care

Trained Experts

Our Child Life Specialists have training in child development, psychology and education. We use evidence-based methods that reduce stress, provide support, and help your child feel confident and comforted.

Support for All Ages

Our team can help kids of any age, from toddlers to teens. We understand the unique needs of different ages and connect with your child in an age-appropriate way.

Family-Centered Approach

When your child is having difficulty, it affects the whole family. Our program is dedicated to supporting your child and the entire family through every medical challenge.