Child Life Special Events

What You Need to Know About Providing a Special Event

Before applying to sponsor a special event at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, please review the following basic requirements.

• The Special Events Committee will screen all groups in advance after the groups have submitted the application form below. This committee meets the first week of each month so allow enough time for review before planning a visit. After the event is reviewed by the committee you will be contacted.
• All events will be hosted by a hospital representative and will include a brief orientation prior to the event.
• All guests visiting the patient divisions of UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital must be at least 18 years old. Younger children may be allowed to participate in events in the public areas of UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
• Please limit the length of all presentations to 30 to 45 minutes.
• Special events are often attended by patients’ siblings and families. Think of ways to involve people of all ages and abilities in the events.
• Toys and favors will be screened ahead of time for suitability. Use the Child Life Wish List as a guide to appropriate items.
• Due to a variety of dietary restrictions, do not bring food or beverage items.
• Media coverage of events is discouraged. If your group feels it is necessary, please get the appropriate guidelines from your staff representative prior to the event. Due to patient confidentiality issues, no photos or videos are allowed that include patients.
• UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital serves a diverse population. All presentations should have no religious or political content. Also, presentations may not include threatening themes such as death, medical procedures or illness.
• If a member of the visiting group is ill, that person is not to attend. For children who are ill enough to be hospitalized, even a cold can be life-threatening.
• Frequent hand washing is important as the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
• Plan activities ahead of time that have value to the patients. Remember: the children are sick and their attendance is never guaranteed. Although you may have between two and 20 patients attending, plan for many more so that you have adequate supplies.
• Confidentiality is very important. What you see here and hear here, stays here when you leave here. To say anything is to say too much.
• Dress comfortably and appropriately for visiting a children’s hospital. Please no tank tops, shorts, or open toed shoes.

Online Application