Family Teaching Program

Family Teaching Program

(732) 418-8045

The Family Teaching Program is a program for parents and children to prepare the child for upcoming surgery. As a part of the Child Life Program, the goal of the Family Teaching Program is to educate pediatric patients and their families and to ease the stress of the surgical experience.

Who should attend the Family Teaching Program?

Any child having surgery at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital, along with his or her parent is welcome to attend the Family Teaching Program prior to the day of surgery.

What will we learn?

We teach your child about what to bring to the hospital on the day of surgery and what will happen when he or she arrives.

Inside the Family Teaching Program classroom, there is a doll-sized operating room bed with real monitors. We use this area to teach your child about what the operating room looks like, and what monitors he or she will wear before going off to sleep.

We also prepare your child for going off to sleep before the surgery, and what will happen when he or she wakes up. Classes allow time for questions and lots of hands-on learning.

Patients and families will also be given a tour of the pre-operative area and recovery room.

Why should I attend a class with my child?

We have found that patients and parents who attend our classes are much better prepared for what to expect on the day of surgery. Children who attend a class know what will happen when they arrive at the hospital and this knowledge helps take away some of the fear of the unknown on the day of surgery.

Parents have told us that they also felt more comfortable knowing what to expect on the day of surgery and were better able to help their children because they had an answer to their child's questions. Many of the parents who have attended classes have recommended it to other parents.

When are the classes held?

Classes are held every

Classes are designed to meet your child’s individual needs. All efforts are made to limit class size to one or two children of similar age per class. So, please call to schedule an appointment in advance.

Where are the classes held?

Classes take place in the Family Resource Center , located on the first floor of The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital.

How do I make an appointment for a class?

Call (732) 418-8045 for an appointment.

Is there a fee for the class?

No, the classes are free of charge.

Can I go with my child into the operating room?

Our program gives you the opportunity to be with your child in the operating room for the beginning of anesthesia. Parent’s being present in the operating room during anesthesia induction is available with approval from your child’s surgeon and anesthesiologist.

 

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