Child Life Center

Daniella, age 13, gives a description of what we do and the environment we create for them:

PLAYROOM stands for:

People from many different places

Lots of games

At the hospital

You'll meet many different faces

Right for all ages

Our coolest place in the hospital

Or even the best place

Meet our playroom helper Jackie

This playroom environment found in each of The Valerie Fund Centers offers a number of therapeutic items designed to help children learn about their illness through play. These include medical teaching dolls, such as the "Zadie," "Charlie," and "Shadow Buddies"; computer software which provides fun and educational games; relaxation programs; puppets used primarily with children ages 3-6; doll houses used as a tool to address family issues; multi-ethnic dolls used in role play and storytelling for children from various ethnic backgrounds. The playroom setting allows for better communication between The Valerie Fund staff and the pediatric patients.