Music Therapy and Child Life Services
We know that kids need more than medicine to get well.
Being hospitalized, undergoing testing and receiving treatment are especially challenging for kids. That’s why our team of Certified Child Life Specialists plays an important role in the treatment plan for each child at Holtz Children’s Hospital.
Working individually with each pediatric patient and family, our child life specialists help children feel more comfortable in the hospital and cope with their illness or disease.
Child life specialists are specially trained in child development, pediatric psychological and social support, and therapeutic play. Our team provides children with age-appropriate support, distraction, education and preparation. They strive to decrease stress, normalize the environment and help children develop positive coping techniques.
Holtz Children’s Hospital child life specialists each hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child life, child development, education or psychology, and are professional certified and affiliated with the Child Life Council.
Child Life Specialists Offer:
- Support before, during, and after stressful procedures and events
- Coping techniques such as distraction, breathing, and relaxation
- Age-appropriate therapeutic and recreational play
- Socialization activities with peers in our playrooms and activity rooms
- Coordination of special events, groups, and visitors
- On-site support at the pediatric emergency room
- Sibling emotional support and education about loved ones’ hospitalization
- Expert consultation for caregivers and medical team members regarding each child’s development
- Age-appropriate explanations of diagnoses and preparation for procedures
Child Life Specialists Offer:
- Support before, during, and after stressful procedures and events
- Coping techniques such as distraction, breathing, and relaxation
- Age-appropriate therapeutic and recreational play
- Socialization activities with peers in our playrooms and activity rooms
- Coordination of special events, groups, and visitors
- On-site support at the pediatric emergency room
- Sibling emotional support and education about loved ones’ hospitalization
- Expert consultation for caregivers and medical team members regarding each child’s development
- Age-appropriate explanations of diagnoses and preparation for procedures
Children’s Play and Activity Rooms
Located throughout Holtz Children’s, these spaces provide opportunities for play, socialization, and normalization.
No medical procedures are allowed in these areas, so children see them as safe places.
Visitors and siblings are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by the patient and supervised by their adult caregiver.
Distraction Therapy
The Infusionarium
Support Groups
Children’s Play and Activity Rooms
Located throughout Holtz Children’s, these spaces provide opportunities for play, socialization, and normalization.
No medical procedures are allowed in these areas, so children see them as safe places.
Visitors and siblings are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by the patient and supervised by their adult caregiver.
Distraction Therapy
The Infusionarium
Locations
Jackson Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care
1477 N.W. 8th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Our Highly Specialized Pediatric Physicians
Our world-class physicians, most of whom are faculty at the prestigious University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, provide the latest diagnosis methods, treatments and therapies for virtually every pediatric concern and condition. Whether your child needs routine pediatric checkups, surgery, ongoing care, or life-saving treatment, we’ll connect you with the physician you need.