Wellstar Child Life Specialists
About Us
- What is a Child Life Specialist?
- The Healing Power of Play
- Education
- Preparation
- Support for Patients and Family
- Grief and Bereavement Support
- Grief Resources
What is a Child Life Specialist?
A Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is a healthcare professional who helps children, teens, and families understand and cope with injury, illness, hospitalization, or death and loss. Their goal is to help reduce anxiety, fear, pain, and misconceptions pertaining to medical experiences. Often through play, child life specialists enable children to explore, learn, and develop effective coping skills for facing challenging events.
What education does a Child Life Specialist need?
To become a Certified Child Life Specialist, a candidate needs extensive education and training. A four-year undergraduate degree is required. Some candidates graduate with a degree in child life while others graduate with a degree in education, psychology, human development, or a related field of study. Some child life specialists decide to further their education and obtain a master’s degree. These two-year programs provide specialized, in-depth education pertaining to the profession.Each candidate must be certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals. In addition to completing a 600-hour internship or fellowship, candidates must pass the Child Life Professionals examination in order to become certified.
The Healing Power of Play
Play is the work of children [Piaget]. It is how they process events and learn about and relate to the world. Play is especially important in the healthcare setting. Child life specialists utilize play to:- Encourage normal development and positive coping throughout healthcare experiences
- Help children understand and feel more comfortable with medical procedures and environments
- Enable children to process and reflect on prior medical experiences
- Provide choices and a sense of control for children
Education
Child life specialists are a helpful resource for caregivers and parents who are interested in learning more about how children develop, respond to challenges, and cope with stress.
Preparation
- Reduce anxiety
- Develop trust in caregivers and staff
- Identify stressors and develop coping methods
- Give choices and a sense of control over what will happen
Child life specialists help children understand not only the sequence of events but also – more specifically – what children will feel, see, hear, taste and smell. During preparation, child life specialists provide information based upon the child’s level of development, often using pictures and medical manipulatives to promote understanding. Talking openly and honestly to children using words they understand can make the healthcare experience easier to manage, and it can also provide opportunities for children to express fears or concerns.
Support for Patients and Family
Throughout preparation, child life specialists also help children and their families develop positive coping skills and establish plans and techniques for facing challenging events. Coping strategies are unique to each child and family but may include strategies such as:For Parents
- Stating honestly how something may feel without minimizing it
- Informing staff of important facts about your child
- Remaining positive, calm, and supportive toward your child
- Providing your presence/full attention and offering specific praise before, during, and after a procedure
- Utilizing comfort positioning so that your child can always see and touch you
- Preparing yourself for the upcoming procedure
For Children
- Distraction: refocusing your child’s attention to an activity they find interest in
- Imagery: asking your child to close their eyes and recall a positive place or memory
- Breathing: encouraging your child to take slow, deep breaths
- Comfort: bringing along your child’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal to hold before, during, or after the procedure
For Children of Adult Patients
Child life specialists are available to help children and teens learn about their loved one’s illness, injury, or treatment. Having a parent, grandparent, or other adult family member in the hospital can be a confusing and challenging change in a child’s life. Child life specialists can work with caregivers to educate their children and teens through kid-friendly language, books, and hands-on teaching materials. At Wellstar, there are designated child life specialists with additional training to support children of adult patients.Grief & Bereavement Support
A child who is old enough to love is old enough to grieve. Though children’s understanding of death and ways of coping are different from adults, it is still important that they receive support. Child life specialists are trained in how children understand and respond to the death of a loved one. They provide guidance on talking to children about a loved one who has died or is nearing the end of their life. Using play, art, and developmentally appropriate language, child life specialists help children and teens learn about the death, express emotions, and create keepsakes in memory of their loved one. Specific services include:- Guidance and resources for caregivers to help support children and teens who are grieving
- Preparation for children and teens who are visiting a loved one who is dying
- Strategies for children and teens to express and manage their emotions in healthy ways
- Legacy building through family artwork or remembrance projects
- Connection with additional grief support resources in their community
Helping Children Deal with Grief
Camp Tranquility and Camp Dogwood are one-day events for children and adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. These events are sponsored by Wellstar Community Hospice.Camp Tranquility
Camp Tranquility is a one-day community workshop for individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Adults and campers six years of age and older participate in sessions designed to aid in healthy grief expression. For more information, contact us at (470) 245-9959 or email [email protected]. At Camp Tranquility, participants build community with others experiencing similar losses while learning:- Age-specific strategies for processing grief
- Self-care and stress reduction
- Parenting through loss
- Talking to children about death and grief
- Activities for family healing over time
Camp Dogwood
Camp Dogwood is a free, one day event for children who are entering First to Seventh Grade from Troup, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether and Harris counties who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Created in 1997 as an outreach of West Georgia Hospice, it now serves up to 60 children each summer with the help of about 80 volunteers. Through art, games and stories, campers will be helped to:- Realize that all people grieve
- Discover healthy ways to deal with grief
- Find positive ways of remembering their loved one
- Learn healthy coping skills while enjoying fun activities
More Resources
- Camp Kesem - programs and services for children who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis or have lost a parent to cancer
- Camp Erin - bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives
- Kate’s Club - bereavement programs for children, adolescents, and young adults
- Association of Child Life Professionals
For Reading
Services & Resources
- Opportunities for play & growth and development in the healthcare setting
- Healthcare education for children and families
- Procedural and surgical preparation and support
- Strategies for coping with stressful situations
- Advocacy that promotes emotional safety for children, teens and families
- Support of siblings during their brother's or sister’s hospitalization
- Illness education and coping support for children & teens whose loved one is hospitalized
- Grief and bereavement support
- Consultative support for parents/caregivers on child development, responses to and strategies for managing stress and trauma
Our Locations
News
Related Articles
Highlights
Out of Sight, Still a Threat
Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.
The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-of-mind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner.
That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.
At Wellstar, we see too many men surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:
“Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.”
Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.
“I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”
Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters.
“Testing leads to side effects.”
Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slow-growing cancers don’t need surgery—just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more precise and less invasive than they used to be.
Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital.
Think of it this way: you’d never ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible?
Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.
Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.
Ready to take action?
Find a urologist near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind.
Highlights
Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.
Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.
Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same.
“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.
Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”
At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.
“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”
A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens
Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.
Navigating life’s most challenging moments
During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.
A long legacy of care
Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more.
Care in Augusta
Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to:
- Pediatric primary care and specialty care
- A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
- A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
- A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
- A Level IV Epilepsy Center
- One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
- Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions
- Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions
Care in Metro Atlanta
Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:
- Pediatric primary care and specialty care
- Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers
- An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta
- Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
- Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
- Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services
Care in West Georgia
In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:
- Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
- Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange
Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids
As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.
In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.
In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.
"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”
Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.
Highlights
A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents on Children and Screen Time
Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia pediatrician and author of the bestselling book “Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right,” uses her “no time, some time, never all the time” philosophy to provide families with guidance around screen time. At nearly every wellness visit, Dr. Dolgoff talks with parents about how to set healthy limits with screen time. “We’re seeing language delays in children from too much screen time,” she explained. Some signs that children may be spending too much time on social media, gaming or watching videos can include:
- Aggression
- Difficulty handling boredom without a screen
- Trouble connecting with peers
- Sleep disruption
- Poor focus in school
- Withdrawing from hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
Troubling trends in children’s media habits
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that advocates for children’s health in the digital age. Its most recent survey of the digital habits of children 8 and younger showed that by age 2, 40% of children have their own tablet. By age 4, that number climbs to 58%. The survey also found that 1 in 5 children use mobile devices during meals, at bedtime or to cope with emotions. Dr. Dolgoff stresses that parents must monitor and regulate their children’s digital use across all platforms. Yet the same survey shows gaps in how families co-view content: 62% of parents occasionally watched YouTube with their children, compared to only 17% on TikTok. The survey also found that screen use varies by income. Children in lower-income households spend twice as much time on screens (3 hours, 48 minutes) as those in higher-income households (1 hour, 52 minutes).Guidelines for screen time by age
As a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Dolgoff suggests that parents know and follow the organization’s screen time guidelines for children:- Under 18 months: No screen time
- 18 to 24 months: Only educational content with parents
- 2 to 5 years: No more than one hour per day
- 6 years and older: Balanced screen time that doesn’t interfere with family, friends and schoolwork
What do screen time limits look like?
According to Dr. Dolgoff, parents don’t need to worry if little ones under 18 months use screens for video chats with loved ones like grandparents. But she adds an important distinction: “Content matters. Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok videos is not what we want children doing for hours each day.” Fortunately, children’s programming has expanded considerably since the parents of today were kids. YouTube Kids, PBS Kids, Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming services serve a variety of programs. Here are some healthy screen time choices, along with suggested time limits:- Toddler (2 to 3 years): Video call with grandparents and 30 minutes of educational programming such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood or Sesame Street with parents watching
- Elementary school (6 to 10 years): Homework on Chromebook or other platform and 30 minutes of YouTube Kids, unstructured outside play and bedtime stories
- Teens (13 years and older): Homework time and no more than two hours of other screen use for gaming or socializing with friends
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “How would you feel if that happened to you?”
- “Could this happen in real life?”
- “How would you have made this better?”
Sound screen habits begin with parents
Young children develop social and communication skills by observing, listening, talking (babbling counts!), reading, singing and playing with parents, siblings and others. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates that parents put down their phones so they can focus on those activities and interactions. For help, parents can turn to apps designed to monitor their smartphone and tablet use. They can also examine their habits by asking themselves questions such as:- “Am I scrolling at the dinner table?”
- “Am I texting while driving?”
- “How much are my children watching me use my phone for entertainment?”
- “Am I setting a good example by having hobbies and interests that don’t involve screens?”
Experts advise ways to set and enforce limits
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Academy of Pediatrics understand the temptations of screens and parents’ difficulty setting limits. Some of their advice for parents:- Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters or to stop tantrums.
- Create tech-free times, with extended breaks and tech-free zones, including the meal table.
- Learn about and use parental controls on devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and televisions.
- Make family outings technology-free—and that includes cameras.
- Remove screens from bedrooms 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
- Set a timer when using a device as a reminder to turn it off or put it away.
Tips for enforcing screen-time limits
It’s in children’s nature to resist when they don’t want to stop doing something pleasant or fun. It’s the parents’ job to stick to the limits they’ve set. Some more ideas for managing children’s reactions to screen-time limits include:- Have a designated “quiet spot” for younger children to calm down if they rage after time on a device is up.
- Offer alternatives after a device is turned off. Those could include playing a board game, reading a book together, playing with a favorite toy or creating an art project.
- Warn children before their time limit is up.
Resources for parents
- The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry on screen time limits, music and music videos, video games, movie and video choice, and screen violence
- Common Sense Media
- Google and Apple content about online safety and parental controls
- Healthychildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- know2protect, guidelines for protecting children online from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security