The Jessie Rees Foundation team recently had the special opportunity to attend and participate in the Child Life Council’s 31st Annual Conference on Professional Issues–New Perspectives From a Mile High. The Child Life Council represents a group of trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events. Child life specialists are experts in child development, who promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization.
The 31st Annual Conference welcomed over a thousand Child Life Professionals, students and educators. Attendees learned about the impact of trauma and neglect on the developing child from keynote speaker Dr. Perry–a celebrated author, researcher and clinician. Experts also shared topics such as the importance of play in hospitals, distraction techniques and the overall changing of the landscape for Children’s Healthcare.
As participants in this wonderful conference, the Jessie Rees Foundation team was able to share everything special about Jessie’s JoyJars and other resources we offer to encourage kids fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up. Child Life Specialists had the opportunity to see the newly released NEGU Power Packs in action as our team redesigned a hospital room display with tons of encouragement and NEGU flare. Our team was able to introduce Jessie’s JoyJars as a compliment to hospital treatment plans as they offer so much joy and fun for kids and can be that much needed distraction from the painful and scary treatments. Attendees learned how NEGU Power Packs can turn a sterile hospital room into a place of brightness and encouragement.
Thank you so much to the Child Life Council for this wonderful opportunity to meet your amazing Child Life Specialists and for the opportunity to join together to serve some very courageous kids. And thank you to all of you wonderful Child Life Specialists for all that you do to encourage kids and help them through their hospital experience.