The Child Life Department at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh provides developmental, educational, social and emotional support to children of all ages ranging from birth to young adulthood. We strive to help patients and families understand and cope with their hospital stay and overall health care experience. For Child Life Services, please contact our department at 412-692-5022.
Our Child Life Team
Director: Stephanie Colaberardino, CCLS, CIMI
Phone: 412-692-9933
The Child Life Department staff consists of:
- Child Life Specialists — are certified members of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) with advanced degrees in child development, education or child life. They help to educate patients and families about new experiences and feelings that may occur before, during and after a hospital stay.
- Child Activity Coordinators — have diverse backgrounds with specialized training in child development and education. Within a family-centered care environment, the professional staff support development through play and implement individual and group activities.
- Music Therapists — are board certified clinicians with extensive training in music and psychosocial interventions, and are members of the American Music Therapy Association.
- Art Therapists — are board certified clinicians with extensive training in art and psychosocial interventions, and are members of the American Art Therapy Association.
Meet the Child Life Team.
Meet the CEAT Team.
Child Life Brochure: Download a brochure explaining the services provided by the Child Life Program at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Where are Child Life services available?
Activity Centers
Activity Centers are spaces for hospitalized children of all ages to engage in developmentally appropriate play. Activity Centers can be accessed by patients and families between the hours of 7am-11pm. They are medical-free zones where no medical discussions or procedures are allowed. In addition, to the activity centers, bedside activities are offered as well.
Additional resources
