Pediatric Therapeutic Recreation Services

Animal Assisted Therapy
In cooperation with the Delta Society, a specially trained dog and his handler visit the pediatric unit twice each month. The children can pet the dog, give him commands, talk to him, and weather permitting, go out and play with him in the Children's Playgarden.

Children's Cooking Class
When children play, they are doing more than havingfun. They are learning every minute. They are experimenting, exploring and discovering new horizons and they are doing it with endless energy and curiosity. The cooking classes taught by Therapeutic Recreation staff offer nutrition information and a hands-on learning approach to healthy meal and snack preparation. The goal is to use the "play approach" toward promoting healthy lifestyle habits while teaching kids practical skills.



Community Excursions
Community reintegration is an important opportunity for rediscovery for the child who mayneed to reacquire skills handling the outside world. Trips are planned to sites within and outside the metropolitan area that will not only provide exciting opportunities for children and their families but will also facilitate the practice of skills in "real life" situations while still in the safety of the rehabilitation team. Some destinations include Broadway shows, sporting events, shows, local museums, the New York Aquarium, etc.Children of all ages who are medically cleared may participate in this program.


Kerry Collins Computer and Education Center
This special room, funded by New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins, is equipped with state of the art computer equipment with adaptive devices so all of our children can benefit from computer technology. This room is used for occupational therapy and recreation therapy and as a Board of Education classroom.


Music Therapy
Music therapy engages children of all ages in the creative process in order to promote socialization, expression of feelings, cognitive organization, and movement. Music sessions are provided to individuals and groups, with the aid of tools such as drums, guitar, a keyboard, and computer music software. In the school-age group, parents and siblings frequently join in making the music session a family bonding experience. For adolescent patients, the Teen Music Studio provides opportunities for exploration, song writing, and improvisation. Individual session work focuses on rehabilitative goals while the patient concentrates on a preferred instrument or musical interaction.


Only Make Believe©
ONLY MAKE BELIEVE offers a unique theatrical program consisting of six one-hour workshops. Its team of actors brings colorful backdrops and a trunk brimming with props and costumes. The actors involve the children in an interactive, theatrical journey. Most important, each child is engaged one on one, enabling each to be a star of the show. As a result, the children are able to view themselves as more than just ill and/or disabled. For more information go to www.onlymakebelieve.org.

Playgarden
This beautiful outdoor space is specially designed for children with special needs. Weather permitting, children are brought down to play and explore in this beautiful setting.


Sibling Program
The pediatric/young adult sibling program, "Hey Brother, Hey Sister," meets weekly and is designed to place special focus on the well children in the family. The meetings involve therapeutic recreation, art, games, food and fun and are designed to promote self-esteem, personal attention, and laughter!


Teen Program
Teens are encouraged to choose and plan activities for themselves that may be on or off site. The recreation therapist encourages programs that facilitate social interaction, exploration and expression of feelings, peer support and exploration of new leisure interests.

Leiter's Landing Foundation Playroom - Therapeutic Play
In the Leiter's Landing Foundation Playroom, funded by Met's pitcher Al Leiter, daily playroom programs are designed to address the developmental challenges faced by hospitalized children. Therapists use arts and crafts, games, imaginative play, storytelling and cooking to normalize the environment and provide opportunities for socialization, exploration and the expression of feelings. The playroom is also the place where special events, such as birthdays and holidays, are celebrated.