Programs within Child Life

Special weekly activities in the playroom and at bedside are offered through Child Life Services to help normalize the hospital environment. Some of these activities are:

• Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit ℠
  Specially trained clowns come in 3 days a week and do "Clown Care Rounds" with children on all the pediatric inpatient units, and several outpatient clinics, bringing laughter and joy. After all, laughter is the best medicine!
  Learn more about the Big Apple Circus/Clown Care Unit℠


• Music Therapy
  Music therapy is provided by licensed and board-certified music therapists to decrease stress, anxiety, and pain while promoting healthy coping during hospitalization.
  Learn more about our Music Therapy program


• Pet Therapy
  Weekly visits from approved, trained therapy dogs visit the children in the playroom and at their bedside. If you have any questions about pet therapy please ask your child life specialist.


• Starlight Children's Foundation
  Thanks to this organization, we are able to provide an array of activities for children, teens and families while in the hospital. For example, we offer the following: PCPals, which are laptops that have internet use and age appropriate computer games, Nintendo Wii Fun Centers for fun and distraction along with weekly events such as yoga, clown shows and musical performances.
  Learn more about the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation


• NYU Starworks Creative Writing Fellowship Program
  The Creative Writing Center is staffed by fellows who provide creative writing as a tool to help children and teens express themselves. For more information about on this please ask your child life specialist.