Following a lengthy application process and on-site review, ChildServe has been selected by the Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence (IRPE) program for recognition at the BRONZE level. The IRPE is a Baldrige-criteria based program managed by the Iowa Quality Center.  ChildServe joins Genesis Health System, Wright Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital as this year's award recipients.  This was ChildServe's first time applying for IRPE review.

The prestigious Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence program was established in 2000 to help businesses and organizations in the state become more sustainable. Each applicant organization receives over 1000 hours of analysis by a team of trained examiners and the IRPE program presents awards to the organizations that demonstrate successful process-based results. The process is aligned with the Baldrige National Quality Program.

There is no monetary award, but those who complete the process indicate it helps them identify strengths and opportunities for improvement within their companies, provides training for continuous improvement and leadership development, and assures customer focus, efficiency, and workforce engagement within their organizations.

Historically, only 50 percent of applicants to the IRPE review process have qualified for recognition at some level and it is not uncommon for first-time applicants to score below the threshold required for recognition.  ChildServe becomes the 8th health care facility in Iowa to be recognized by the IRPE.

ChildServe expects to receive a feedback report from its IRPE review team prior to the end of December and will be using the feedback as part of our ongoing process improvement efforts.  The Baldrige criteria provide a framework for each organization to leverage its strengths and minimize areas in need of improvement as we seek to achieve our strategic goals.

ChildServe’s IRPE initiatives were funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.