Helping Kids and Families Thrive
ChildServe‘s Medical Childcare program offers specialized weekday care for children and young adults with significant medical needs and developmental delays. The program includes on-site therapy services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Medical Childcare focuses on each child’s overall health. For this reason, we provide therapeutic activities to develop coordination, self-confidence, social competencies, and more.
Depending on a individual’s need, he or she may attend our Autism Day Program program in Ames, Iowa City or Johnston, or our Medical Childcare program (described below) in our Ames or Des Moines locations.
Why choose ChildServe?
Our Medical Childcare program is customizable, convenient, and the only one of its kind in the state of Iowa. We build therapy appointments directly into the day. This allows families to spend time together after the workday, rather than rushing to multiple appointments.
ChildServe’s Medical Childcare program is CARF-accredited in the following categories: Medically Fragile and Child and Youth Services. This means that the program meets rigorous guidelines for service and quality, and conforms to nationally and internationally recognized standards.

Who We Serve
ChildServe’s Medical Childcare program offers specialized medical care to children and young adults (infant through 21 years old). Children must be eligible for Medicaid due to significant medical needs or developmental delays.
Our Approach
We Know Kids
Expert Medical Care
Goal-focused Therapy
Caring for Families
We want families to be able spend time together. To help ease our families’ full schedules, Medical Childcare offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and therapeutic activities onsite during the day. Our daily documentation system ensures communication between caretakers and parents.
Our Medical Childcare Team
View our Annual Outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Referrals can be made by the child’s parent/guardian, physicians, case managers, therapists, or other members of the child’s care team. Referrals should be directed according to discipline and preferred location as follows:
- Medical Childcare – Des Moines/Johnston: 515-280-5332 (Program Manager)
- Medical Childcare – Ames: 515-817-2231 (Social Worker)
- Autism Day Program – Iowa City: 319-351-5437
- Autism Day Program – Johnston: 515-251-5551 (Program Manager)
Where do services take place?
ChildServe’s Autism Day Program is offered in Ames, Iowa City and Johnston. Medical Childcare is available in our Ames and Des Moines locations.
When do services take place?
ChildServe’s Medical Childcare offers services on Monday-Friday, with hours varying by location:
ChildServe – Ames
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ChildServe – Des Moines
Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
How are services funded?
Medical Childcare services are funded through Iowa Medicaid to children with a diagnosed medical need and active Medicaid Status.
What makes Medical Childcare different from daycare?
ChildServe’s Medical Childcare program offers therapy, nursing, early intervention, education, and more for children with special healthcare needs.
- We welcome children with significant medical needs.
- Children must be Medicaid eligible to qualify for Medical Childcare services.
- Nursing and therapeutic restorative plans are incorporated in day-to-day service.
- On-site therapy services (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy) are available.
- Specially trained staff provide care, treatment, and early education for young children.
How does ChildServe work toward non-discrimination?
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis on race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.7 and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNF Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 40319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; web site: https://icrc.iowa.gov
Contact Us!
5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
515-727-8750
1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010
515-232-7220
644 24th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312
515-280-5332
If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please call the location of your choice or email communications@childserve.org.
ChildServe Center - Johnston
ChildServe Center - Ames
ChildServe – Des Moines
Iowa City
About
ChildServe improves the health and well-being of nearly 5,800 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.
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Contact Us
Johnston | 515-727-8750
Ames | 515-232-7220
Des Moines | 515-280-5332
Iowa City | 319-351-5437
Cedar Rapids | 319-777-7450
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