Who We Are and What We Do
Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children is staffed with Child Life specialists, who focus on the psychosocial, developmental and educational needs of children. Child Life specialists serve both pediatric inpatients and outpatients to help ease the anxiety and stress sometimes associated with being hospitalized, as well as promote positive coping skills, normal childhood growth and development.
Child Life specialists are professionals with an undergraduate and/or masters degree in child life, child psychology or a related field. Child Life specialists are certified through the Child Life Council.
Because every child is unique, Child Life specialists take into consideration each child's family, culture and stage of development. By providing familiar activities and toys in a therapeutic setting, children have an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings. In addition, child life specialists can work with children to help them cope with being in the hospital in a way that is best for the individual child.
Child Life Specialists Provide:
Getting Ready for a Hospital Stay
Children in the hospital can benefit greatly from seeing a special performance in the hospital.Click here for more information on planning an event or coming to the hospital to do an activity.
Contact UsIf you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Child Life DepartmentInova Fairfax Hospital for Children3300 Gallows Road Falls Church, VA 22042703-776-6486 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Staff hours fluctuate on the weekends.