Recreational Therapy and Child Life-Pediatrics

Recreational Therapy is a valued aspect of the care provided to children receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment in the North Carolina Children's Hospital. Based upon an individualized assessment, Recreational Therapists provide treatment services including:

• relaxation and pain management interventions  
• procedural preparation
• procedural support to assist patients' coping and compliance during procedures
• sensory and developmental stimulation
• community re-entry activities
• emotional self-regulation skills

Recreational Therapy and Childlife staff members are licensed Recreational Therapists who have additional certification as a Child Life Specialist. Services are provided to patients on each of the inpatient pediatric units, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Hematology/Oncology Clinic, and other pediatric areas. The Child Life Specialist uses the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation's Robbie Page Play Atrium, the Jason Clark Teen Activities Center, and the Charles Goren Music Room to provide a non-threatening and normalized environment that enhances emotional expression, physical activity, social interaction, adjustment to hospitalization, and healing through play.