Children undergoing hospitalizations and medical treatment have unique developmental, emotional, social, and educational needs.  Child life specialists are trained members of health care teams who focus on addressing the needs of these children and the needs of their families.  This course will introduce students to topics that are central to child life profession, such as helping children and families cope with acute and chronic illness, preparing children for medical procedures, standards and ethics, and coping with grief and loss. It will also focus on how the use of therapeutic play can reduce the stress of hospitalization, and examine how illness can impact children’s development. Prerequisites: CD 234, PSY 210 or PSY 310 or by permission of instructor