Volunteer | Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy | UC Davis Children's Hospital

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Volunteers are important members of our team. They spend time with patients and families to help bring normalcy to the hospital. Without them, we would not be able to offer the highest level of care and support to our patients and their families.

Volunteer locations

Volunteers in the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department are supervised by a Child Life Specialist or Playroom Coordinator. We have placement opportunities within most inpatient pediatric units, including general pediatrics, pediatric intensive care (PICU), and neonatal intensive care (NICU). Prospective volunteers are not guaranteed placement in specific units. Placement depends on position openings and availability.

Volunteer duties

Volunteer duties within this department include supervising playroom activities, providing activities at the bedside, holding and comforting infants, and lending support for families of patients. Other volunteer duties may include maintaining the play and common areas, sanitizing toys, assisting during special events, and performing administrative tasks.

Volunteer requirements

There is a minimum 6-month commitment and volunteers should be available a minimum of 4 hours per week. Volunteers are asked to maintain a consistent schedule, including the same day and shift each week.

The minimum age requirement for volunteers is 18 years of age.

Evening and Weekend shifts are unavailable at this time.

To learn more about becoming a Child Life & Creative Arts Therapy Volunteer, contact: Katie MacDonald, 916-734-5510 or katmacdonald@ucdavis.edu.