ChildServe Respite is Here When You Need Us
Respite care is designed to give families a break from the day-to-day care involved in raising a child with special healthcare needs. ChildServe’s respite service allows parents to attend events for their other children, schedule appointments for themselves, or simply take time to recharge.
Meanwhile, our caretakers help kids safely do the things they love in individual or group settings. We offer many types of respite care that can take place in the comfort of the family’s home, in the community, or even in a group setting. All options provide children with safe, quality care while families recharge.
From having sleepovers with friends, swimming, and bowling, to playing adaptive sports and videogames, the list of fun activities to do at ChildServe keeps growing!
Why choose ChildServe Respite?
We hire family members or friends of each child to provide respite care when possible. Potential caregivers must pass ChildServe background checks, requirements and training.
accreditations in pediatrics, brain injury, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.
Who We Serve
Respite Program Features
Individual Respite
Individual Respite offers one-on-one time with a caretaker in the family’s home or community. We provide this service in the communities surrounding our Ames, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Johnston locations.
Specialized Respite
Specialized Respite offers one-on-one time with a licensed nurse in the family’s home. We provide this service in the communities surrounding our Ames, Iowa City and Johnston locations.
Group Respite
Group Respite offers a one-to-three staff/child ratio in a variety of activities. All Group programs take place at our Johnston, Iowa City, or Ames locations. Adaptive equipment, nursing support, and kid-friendly activities are available to children who attend.
Special Respite Programs
Special programs are available based on need. ChildServe’s healthcare professionals can help parents assess which services may be the best fit for their child.
- Group weekends are hosted most Friday through Sunday evenings. Some weekends include nursing support, while others are staffed by trained caregivers.
- Monthly sleepovers provide time to socialize with peers, play games, have birthday parties, or go to movies.
- Kids Club and Super Saturdays offer weekend group daytime activities.
- Teen Night and Teen Day Respite provide opportunities for socialization and community involvement.
- Camp ChildServe offers summer programs for school-aged children or young adults. Some children attend our weeklong camps, while others attend for the entire summer.
- Group care is also available in a family’s home for families with multiple children who have special healthcare needs.
ChildServe Respite Accreditations
ChildServe’s Respite program is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), ensuring that the program meets rigorous guidelines for service and quality, and conforms to nationally and internationally recognized standards.
Our program was recognized by the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center, as a 2020 Innovative and Exemplary Respite Service. ARCH recognizes ChildServe’s ability to serve to inspire and inform the field and the public, and help to build and promote greater opportunities for caregivers across the network and nation.
Camp ChildServe is American Camp Association accredited, assuring our compliance with up to 300 health, safety, and program quality standards. The American Camp Association is industry-established and backed by over 100 years of parent trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I refer someone to the program?
Parents/guardians, members of the child’s care team, or the child’s case manager may make referrals. To make a referral or request more information, call the following location-specific numbers:
- Ames: 515-817-2231
- Iowa City: 319-351-5437
- Johnston: 515-251-5533
How many hours of respite care can I use each month?
Each child is given a complete assessment in order to develop care plans and authorize a specific number of hours to use each month.
Where do services take place?
Services take place year-round in the following locations:
- ChildServe Respite Center (Ames and Johnston)
- ChildServe – Iowa City
- ChildServe – Cedar Rapids
- Child’s home or community setting
- Staff’s home (all other adults in their home must pass a background check)
- Camp is held at an off-site location in both the Ames and Johnston areas
Is there a daily limit for respite care?
Yes, each type of respite care has a different limit:
- Group – 24 hours per day
- 1:1, Basic – 17.75 hours per day
- 1:1, Specialized – 8.75 hours per day
Can my child receive care while I am at work?
No, Respite cannot be used as childcare while both parents are at work. This service is designed to be a recharging time for parents – not simply a childcare provider.
Can my Respite caregiver also keep an eye on my other children?
No, Respite caregivers may not provide supervision to siblings or other children unless they are all children receiving services through ChildServe via the ID, HD, or BI Medicaid Waivers, and have been scheduled to be supervised at the same time.
How do I schedule services?
Parents can schedule respite care directly with the supervisor or by connecting with your staff/nurse.
Are there limits on when respite care can be scheduled?
While we offer respite services at all times of the day and week, except in the following instances:
- Respite care cannot be provided during school.
- Respite care cannot overlap or interfere with doctor, therapy, or other appointments if provided through Medicaid funding.
To make a referral or to request additional information, please use the contact form below.
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Contact Us!
1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010
515-817-2231
ChildServe – Cedar Rapids
1661 Boyson Square Dr Suite 100, Hiawatha, IA 52233
319-777-7450
2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241
319-665-3216
5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
515-251-5533
ChildServe Center - Johnston
ChildServe Center - Ames
ChildServe – Iowa City
ChildServe - Cedar Rapids
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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