Programs & Services

Nursing

Unparalleled care
delivered with love

Our team of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, educators and nursing leaders collaborate with the entire interdisciplinary team to develop integrated care plans, execute interventions and ensure care objectives are always achieved.

Staff receive comprehensive training, education and clinical experience and are skilled in the care of children with respiratory issues (including ventilator-dependence and tracheostomies) and traumatic brain injuries, as well as children who require specialized skin care, feeding, monitoring, neurological care and palliative care.

We have affiliations to provide undergraduate and graduate nursing experiences with local colleges and universities including: Mercy College, Westchester Community College, Pace University, Monroe College, Concordia College, Dominican College of Blauvelt, Empire State College, Mount Saint Mary College and the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Rehabilitation

All 169 children at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center receive rehabilitation services in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology to optimize each child’s potential.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists maximize each child’s ability to interact independently within their environment and develop functional gross motor skills, normal movement patterns, increased strength and endurance, range of motion and coordination. Therapy includes the evaluation and fitting of orthotics and prosthetics, ambulation training, standing programs and the use of assistive devices.

In physical therapy, we offer clinical affiliations for students at local colleges and universities including: Columbia University, Hunter College, Ithaca College, Mercy College, New York Medical College, New York University, Northeastern University, Nova Southeastern University, Sacred Heart University, Seton Hall University, Stony Brook University, Touro College, Utica College, the University of Scranton and the College of Staten Island.

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapy program focuses on the development of fine motor skills, coordination, sensory and perceptual motor processing and cognitive functioning, as well as on skills related to activities of daily living to instill a sense of security, confidence and independence in every child.

In occupational therapy, we offer clinical observations and affiliations for students at local colleges and universities including: Bay Path College, Columbia University, Dominican College of Blauvelt, Eastwick College, Ithaca College, Mercy College, New York University, Quinnipiac University, The Sage Colleges, Seton Hall University, Stony Brook University, Utica College, York College and the University of Scranton.

Speech Language Pathology

Speech language pathologists conduct diagnostic evaluations in speech, language and feeding. By utilizing language-directed play and structured language-based activities, therapists are able to enhance children’s communication skills, which may include using sign language and augmentative communication systems and devices.

We designed a comprehensive feeding program to address nutritional needs and oral-motor functioning. Creative activities and group play are woven into the dining experience to seamlessly enrich and improve feeding skills.

We provide clinical affiliations in speech therapy for students at local colleges and universities including: Columbia University, Iona College, Ithaca College, Lehman College, Mercy College, New York Medical College, Pace University and Seton Hall University.

Nutrition

Our Nutrition Department is comprised of a team of registered dietitians, food and nutrition supervisors and dietary aides and cooks who prepare our children’s meals and tube feedings.

Collaborating with speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and our medical and nursing teams, we provide the best nutrition to our children, whether they learning to eat by mouth (PO) or whether they require long term nutrition support (nasogastric tubes or PEGs). Guided by evidence-based, best nutrition practices, we ensure our children thrive.

We regularly host dietetic interns from Columbia Teacher’s College and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center.

Hydrotherapy

The benefits of hydrotherapy are vast from creating effortless movement to relaxation and pain relief. By blending therapy and fun, we are able to improve children’s joint integrity, strength, balance and coordination. Hydrotherapy is also particularly effective for those recovering from orthopedic surgery.

Adaptive Equipment

In addition to our therapy offerings, building a comfortable environment for our children is critical. We provide adapted seating systems and wheelchairs to fit each child’s body and sitting position so they can explore their world safely and comfortably. Our technicians also offer adaptations for toys, beds, cribs and more.

On-Site Clinics

We have specialized audiology, orthotics, orthopedic, rehabilitation medicine, wheelchair and adaptive equipment clinics on-site.

Respiratory Care

At Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, we are nationally recognized for our care of technology-dependent children and those with respiratory compromise. Our respiratory care team is comprised of highly skilled registered respiratory therapists who are on-site 24/7 and take a compassionate, interdisciplinary and evidence-based approach to providing safe and effective care. Like each of the clinical services we provide, our respiratory care team uses the latest technology, like state-of-the-art mechanical ventilators and alarm management systems, to improve the lung function and quality of life for all residents. Our team members are experts in emergency care, tracheostomy care, mechanical ventilation, high flow oxygen therapy, airway clearance therapy, end-tidal CO2 monitoring and elective and critical care transport.

All of our respiratory therapists are registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care and licensed by New York State. Our team also consists of respiratory therapists who are Board Certified as Neonatal-Pediatric Specialists by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

We offer clinical affiliations for students in respiratory therapy from Westchester Community College.

Special Education

Just as we pride ourselves on providing quality medical care, we are dedicated to helping our children excel academically, reach new heights and find joy in learning. As a New York State-approved school, we offer Early Intervention, preschool and school-age programming for children who are unable to attend their community school.

Our teachers develop weekly curriculum plans to help each student reach their educational goals. Students have access to the same experiences as their peers in community schools in specially designed classrooms at the Center and an inclusive playground geared toward their unique needs. From state-of-the-art communication systems to specialized equipment to aid in motor skill development, our education program is focused on helping children gain independence, confidence and curiosity.

All children enrolled in school at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center receive occupational, physical and speech therapies, as well as counseling according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP). We offer adapted physical education and music programs that supplement the curriculum and provide another avenue to address each student’s goals. Each new day brings opportunities for growth and we are passionate about working collaboratively with families, with our staff and with our children to create an enriching and loving environment.

We afford learning opportunities through a program of clinical education experience in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathology and special education. We provide student training under the supervision of qualified personnel and have contracts with many universities and colleges including: Columbia University Teachers College, Mercy College, Quinnipiac University, York College, New York Medical College, Ithaca College, Lehman College, Iona College, Sacred Heart University, Stony Brook University, SUNY Plattsburgh and the University of Scranton. We accept students that are at various levels of their graduate education.

Social Services

Champions for children

Our Social Services Department advocates for the psychosocial well-being of our children – acting as a liaison between families and the interdisciplinary team at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center. Social workers provide referrals for community resources and work to solve the challenges and obstacles that families may face during their child’s medical journey. Our social workers plan for discharges, as well as home care services. The team also works closely with transportation staff to assist with family visits.

Creative Arts

Therapies

At Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, creative expression is another important facet of healing and growth. Our team of Board Certified and licensed art therapists, dance/movement therapists and music therapists use creative and clinical modalities of art, dance and music to help our children see themselves in a new light, work through emotions, tap into their creativity and be loud and messy.

Sessions are individualized and child-focused to aid in self-expression, coping strategies, pain management and social-emotional and physical development. Group sessions help our children foster new relationships and learn from their peers.

Additionally, our team creates tailored opportunities to meet the needs of both parents and siblings. Whether that be making a recording of a parent singing or engaging siblings for an art project, our goal remains the same: support children and their families every way we can through innovation and creativity.

We are renowned for providing exceptional clinical training opportunities for art therapy, dance/movement therapy and music therapy students in partial fulfillment of their degree. Through our affiliation with various university programs, we offer observation, practicum, fieldwork and internship opportunities for qualified students. In addition to existing university affiliations, our music therapy internship is pre-approved by the American Music Therapy Association as a national roster site.

Therapeutic

Recreation & Child

Life

Therapeutic Recreation

One of our goals at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center is to help our kids be kids. While play is important, therapeutic recreation is goal-oriented and aimed at improving functional skills. To that end, our Therapeutic Recreation Department plans a variety of activities for children and their families to inspire wonder and curiosity, promote independence and enhance health, well-being and quality of life. Activities may be held in our neighborhood family rooms, our multisensory rooms or outdoors using our inclusive playground.

Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center provides many opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation, such as observation hours, field experiences (volunteer work or practicum) and internships. We are affiliated with SUNY Cortland, Ithaca College, Kean University, Lehman College, Seton Hall University and Utica College. The goal of our internship program is for interns to develop the appropriate clinical skills of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, while gaining knowledge and experience working with medically complex children. The intern’s supervisor will also help prepare him/her for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification exam.

Child Life

Recognizing that each child and their family’s journey is unique, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center’s credentialed Child Life Specialists are there to meet the emotional, developmental and psychosocial needs of each child and their family and use therapeutic play to enhance overall coping. We provide individual and group therapeutic play sessions and also prepare and support our residents for medical procedures, transitions and any other health-related stressors.

Our Family-Centered Care Library, which is located within our Child Life room, is dedicated to empowering, guiding and supporting families during their child’s health care journey and is also a special place for residents to spend time and play with their parents and siblings.

Clinical experience is a vital component to achieving success and competency in the field of Child Life. We offer Child Life internships for affiliated students by application in the fall and the spring and follow all the requirements set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals. We do not accept unaffiliated interns.

Palliative & Pastoral

Care

Palliative Care Services

For us, providing an unmatched level of care and comfort is always a priority. Palliative medicine is specialized care that seeks to improve the quality of life for children and their families facing the challenges of serious medical illnesses. At Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, each child who resides with us has a one-of-a-kind palliative care plan in place.

Our team is responsive to the medical management of pain and other symptoms, the need for supportive care, the psychosocial support needed for families and caregivers and the spiritual care needed in multiple faith traditions. We provide specific therapies including: Reiki and therapeutic touch, dance and movement therapy, art therapy, music therapy and recreation therapy. Creative Arts Therapists facilitate legacy-building and memorial projects and are dedicated to celebrating the beauty of each child’s life.

Compassionate care is at the heart of all we do. Our team is able to meet with families at any stage of a child’s illness. We respect the wishes of our children and their families as we guide them through the most difficult of decisions.

We provide pediatric palliative care training through required rotations for the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Lincoln Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center.

Pastoral Care

Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center provides pastoral care for our children and families. While we are a Roman Catholic faith-based institution sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Ministry Network, we honor, respect and celebrate all faith traditions and cultures. Our St. Elizabeth Ann Chapel, located on our first floor, is open daily for families to engage in quiet prayer, meditation and worship. We also host a weekly liturgy, along with other religious ceremonies.

Quality

Elevating quality and safety every day

For over 30 years, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center has provided unsurpassed clinical and rehabilitative care to the largest population of medically complex and ventilator-dependent children in the region. Continuously recognized as a five-star rated leader in the industry, we integrate innovative technological and evidence-based solutions to address each child’s specialized care needs, while partnering with their families and communities to create unlimited possibilities.

Our commitment to excellence is palpable in everything we do and we have built a Quality Department staff with expertise in informatics, regulatory compliance, data analysis and biomedical technologies who all work in concert to conduct daily assessments and identify opportunities to improve safety. We have also designed systems to monitor and display data to continue to promote the importance of both quality and safety in our facility. As we are always striving to improve our quality of care, clinician-led teams take part in collaborative Performance Improvement Projects to look at best practices in pediatrics and palliative care and generate new solutions that promote health, safety and choice.

We are proud of our data-driven approach and heart, which sets Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center apart.