Having a child with a heart condition can be stressful for families. To help ease some of the worry, Cohen Children’s Heart Center offers patients and their families support services, educational opportunities and, of course, some fun.
Child Life Program
Through our Child Life Program, children receiving inpatient care are given activities to help them learn about their illness or injury, medical or surgical procedures, hospital routines and the medical team they will encounter during their stay. Our certified child life specialists and licensed creative art therapists give children the opportunity to explore medical equipment, photo preparation books and teaching dolls to help relieve any fears and concerns they may have. Our staff members are available to provide comfort and support, as well as accompany children during medical procedures and exams.
Hospital school
Teachers from the New York City Department of Education, Public School 404 in Queens are available to teach children who are hospitalized at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Patients do not have to live in New York City to attend the hospital school. Our teachers adhere to all New York state and New York City performance standards and will contact your child’s home school to work with their teacher on class assignments. Individual and group instruction take place in our classroom and at bedside as needed. High school students who have to be in the hospital for extended periods of time can arrange to take Regents exams, supervised by our hospital teachers.
Social work
Cohen Children’s Medical Center has a team of more than 40 social workers, including dedicated cardiovascular social workers, to provide support and services to children and their families receiving care in the hospital. They are an integral part of the care team and provide another layer of compassion, expertise and personalized support.
Support groups
Families of children with ongoing health conditions often face unique issues. Many parents find it helpful to talk to others who share similar challenges and joys. Cohen Children’s Medical Center and Northwell Health offer several support groups for parents and families in their time of need.