If a child needs to stay in the hospital, who helps them to simply be a kid? This is where our SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Child Life Specialists shine. They help our patients understand their treatment, provide emotional support, and even provide schooling.
The Child Life team is designed to create a supportive and nurturing environment for pediatric patients. Our specialists and schoolteachers are dedicated professionals who use therapeutic play, education, and emotional support to help children cope with the challenges of hospitalization. They work closely with families to address the unique needs of each child, ensuring their hospital experience is as positive and stress-free as possible.
The team includes Kim Eighmey, Manager, who collaborates closely with schoolteachers Shelly Goedde (ages 5-11), Brenda Wilson (ages 12-18), and Ella Trinkle (special education services). The department includes the Shining Star School, creative art therapies (music and art), Facility Duo Dog program with Thor, special events, and the Crescent Club. Child Life Specialists serve all areas of the hospital including the ER and Acute Care Center (ACC).
These specialists use a variety of techniques to support children, including medical play to familiarize them with procedures, distraction methods to reduce anxiety during treatments and expressive therapies. They also help young patients continue their academic education during hospitalization.
Shining Star School
One of the standout programs within the Child Life team is the Shining Star School. School is a normal, vital part of childhood, but for hospitalized children, academic life becomes disrupted. The school supports children ages 5 to 18 who are hospitalized for extended periods and can continue their education without interruption. They also provide support to pre-K kids and college students when needed.
Trusted and experienced schoolteachers staff the school. Each specializes in different age groups and educational needs. Child Life teachers create individualized lesson plans, coordinate with the children's regular schools and teachers, turn in assignments, and provide the necessary support to keep them on track academically.
Wilson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy for hospitalized kids. "When children stay connected to their education, it helps them feel more in control and less isolated," she explains. "Our goal is to ensure that they don't fall behind and can transition back to their regular school routine smoothly. Learn more about the Shining Star School.
The Crescent Club
The Crescent Club is a new initiative, specifically designed to support children with sickle cell disease. Inspired by a program at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Crescent Club addresses the unique educational challenges faced by children with sickle cell. Frequent hospitalizations due to pain crises and other complications can disrupt schooling, making it difficult for them to keep up with their peers.
Reading is the foundation of education. Wilson and her colleagues knew access to books would help children with sickle cell maintain their reading skills. The Crescent Club collaborates with a local St. Louis family owned African American bookstore called Eyeseeme. According to the CDC, one in 13 African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait inherited from one of their parents.1 The selected books reflect children's cultural backgrounds and experiences, as sickle cell disease primarily affects the Black community. Now, each time a child with sickle cell visits SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, they can choose a new book to keep, gradually building their personal home library.
Wilson, who played a key role in establishing the Crescent Club, highlights the program's impact: "Seeing the excitement on the children's faces when they pick out a new book is incredibly rewarding. It gives them something to look forward to and helps them stay engaged with their education."
The comprehensive support provided by the Child Life team at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is invaluable. These programs not only address a child’s immediate emotional and educational needs, but also contribute to their long-term physical and mental well-being. For families, the services allow them to focus on their child's medical care. As children of all ages continue their education, the Child Life team helps them build resilience and maintain a sense of normalcy. Learn more about Child Life services at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
- Data and statistics on sickle cell disease. (2024, May 15). Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
