As a healthcare provider, our highest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the kids and families we serve, and that of our team members. Like all other healthcare providers and hospital settings, ChildServe continues to have guidelines in place to reduce the spread of illness within our community.

ChildServe is unique in that we serve children with acute medical needs – these children are at a higher risk for serious outcomes from contracting COVID-19. While we serve many children who do not have complex medical needs, they often share treatment space or waiting rooms with those who do. Some individuals with complex medical needs may not be able to be vaccinated against COVID.

Our COVID-19 Task Force meets monthly to review guidance from the CDC and the federal agencies that regulate the healthcare industry, which we are required to follow. Any changes to our COVID-19 guidelines will be communicated on our website, through our monthly e-newsletter “The Partner” which goes to all families who have an email on file with ChildServe, and through our team members as appropriate, when entering the building.

We appreciate the dedication families and staff have shown in protecting our community during this pandemic, and we look forward to the day where we can safely reduce restrictions.

Masking is required in all ChildServe locations when Community Transmission Levels are high. Additional requirements can be found in our Masking Requirements flyer which will be posted at the entrance to ChildServe with the masking requirements for your visit. In accordance with CDC recommendations, children who are not able to tolerate a mask, are under the age of two, or have medical conditions that could be negatively impacted by wearing a mask can request an exemption from this requirement.

If your child answered “yes” to one of the screening questions, you must meet specific criteria before your child can return to ChildServe for services. Please refer to the return-to-service chart and ask your care team for help determining your return date.

ChildServe‘s therapy team created a social story to help children adjust to therapy sessions provided via telehealth instead of in-person visits. A simplified version for kids who prefer visual schedules is also included at the end of the story. Click here to download the social story and visual schedule. Feel free to share this resource with anyone who might need it!

These organizations are the most-trusted places to get information about COVID-19:

• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• TestIowa

Iowa has established the 2-1-1 hotline, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The 2-1-1 line is staffed with nurses to answer questions related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). If you experience symptoms after hours that can’t wait until the next day, please call your primary care provider. In a true medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

ChildServe is not a community provider of the COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to contact the primary care provider for your child or young adult to determine vaccination options. You can also check the Department of Public Health website for opportunities in your area:

• Polk County Health Department
• Story County Health Department
• Johnson County Health Department

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, you should:

• Stay home and isolate from others until you are in good health.
• Cover your cough or sneeze, preferably into your elbow or sleeve. If a tissue is used, immediately throw the used tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as cell phones, cups, toys, handles, countertops, etc.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Visit the CDC website to learn more about best practices to keep your family healthy.