We’ve Completed the First-Ever Training for Our Vlaštovka Child Life Specialists

As part of our pilot project focused on play-based work with children and their families in palliative care, we’ve held the very first training for our new child life specialists, who will begin visiting families in hospitals—and even in their homes—from autumn 2025. So, what did our first training look like?

Three days full of learning, hands-on practice, inspiration, and sharing. In the video, you can catch glimpses of sandplay techniques, medical play, messy play, aromatherapy, and sensory reading.

Our training covered both theory and practice: Thanks to Lenka Kohoutková, head of the “Centrum provázení” (Guidance Center) at University Hospital Hradec Králové, we gained insight into the realities of families in palliative care and the broader context of our work. Under the guidance of our director Michaela Váňová, we also developed practical play skills and deepened our understanding of various play methods used in interventions in hospitals, long-term care centers, and directly in families’ homes.

As you can see, the atmosphere was wonderful!

We sincerely thank the Vlček Family Foundation for their financial support of our pilot project. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to grow our skills and expand our services to support more families.