We’re Here When You Need Us
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 Respite keeps growing!
Why choose ChildServe?
accreditations in pediatrics, brain injury, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.
Who We Serve
Program Features
Individual Respite
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 Respite 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 Group Respite.
Special Programs
Special programs are available based on need. ChildServe’s healthcare professionals can help parents assess which respite services may be the best fit for their child.
- Group Respite 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 Respite is also available in a family’s home for families with multiple children who have special healthcare needs.
Accreditation
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.
ChildServe‘s Respite 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 respite field and the public, and help to build and promote greater respite 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 ChildServe Respite 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?
Where do services take place?
- ChildServe Respite Center (Ames and Johnston)
- ChildServe – Iowa City
- 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 Respite – 24 hours per day
- 1:1, Basic Respite – 17.75 hours per day
- 1:1, Specialized Respite – 8.75 hours per day
Can my child receive respite care while I am at work?
Can my Respite caregiver also keep an eye on my other children?
How do I schedule Respite services?
Are there limits on when respite care can be scheduled?
- 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.
View our Annual Outcomes
Contact Us!
1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010
515-817-2231
2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241
319-665-3216
5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
515-251-5533
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 – Iowa City
About
ChildServe improves the health and well-being of more than 5,600 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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