Occupational Therapy

Improving Functional Skills

ChildServe’s Occupational Therapy Program helps children improve function and promote development to be more independent in their daily environment. Our Occupational Therapists use a variety of specialized treatment techniques, interventions, activities, protocols, and technology, emphasizing an individualized, family-led, play-based treatment plan to develop sensory, motor, visual, attention and decision-making skills so children can be successful in their world.

Why choose ChildServe?

Multi-disciplinary Team

ChildServe’s talented, multi-disciplinary team of therapists specializes in pediatric rehab and works together to create plans specific to each child’s need.

CARF-Accredited

We hold in pediatrics, brain injury, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

Specialized Technology

Our Occupational Therapy program makes use of specialized technology like the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) systemsFES stands for Functional Electrical Stimulation. FES systems stimulate muscles with electric currents to help build them up after a long period of little use.
, the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU)The Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) is a favorite with many kids, who sometimes refer to it as “the Octopus.” The UEU provides a unique and effective physical therapy option in which children are comfortably suspended just off the ground or therapy table. Therapists are able to work specific muscles and coordination skills through this therapy.
, Interactive MetronomeInteractive Metronome is an evidence-based assessment and training tool that helps strengthen the brain’s ability to synchronize thought and movement to a steady metronome beat., and DynavisionDynavision is a leading technology used in the assessment and rehabilitation of concussions. The program helps ChildServe specialists develop individual programs for each child or young adult served. within our state-of-the-art, kid-friendly facilities.

Who We Serve

ChildServe’s Occupational Therapy program serves children and young adults (infant through 21 years) who have special healthcare needs or movement difficulties resulting from the following:

Physical injuries

Brain injuries

Developmental delays

Illness

Our Approach

We Know Kids

Our entire organization is designed around kids! ChildServe knows that children and teens have needs that are different from adults with similar conditions. Our equipment is designed for children and young adults. Every member of our staff has specialized training to understand how therapy can affect children’s growth and development.

Pediatric Therapy

ChildServe’s Occupational Therapy program uses activities and play to increase function, enhance development and help children and young adults become more independent.

Special Programs

ChildServe offers a variety of specialty areas and clinics to help children reach specific goals faster. Our Occupational Therapy specialty programs include the Astronaut Training program, brain injury programming, concussion rehabilitation, DIRFloortime®, group therapy, hippotherapy, Integrated Listening Systems (iLS), Interactive Metronome, Life Skills, Neuromotor Reflex Integration (intensives offered), SOS feeding therapy and other specialized feeding programs, splinting and orthotics, therapeutic brushing, Therapeutic Listening, and visual rehabilitation (intensives offered).

We Care about Families

When a child receives therapy at ChildServe, the family is involved in every step of the process. Our staff help children and families create and achieve goals to improve daily living skills. We help families find specialty programs that fit a child’s specific needs. In addition, training is provided for families to continue and reinforce the care at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive services?

ChildServe’s Occupational Therapy program serves children and young adults (infant-21 years) who have special healthcare needs or movement difficulties resulting from physical or brain injuries, developmental delays, or other illness. Children must also fit the following qualifications:

Have skills below age-level or are at risk of delay in mobility, fine motor, self-help, or feeding
Medically stable
No actively contagious condition
Able to tolerate exposure to other people and children and transport to/from ChildServe
Appropriate endurance up through prescribed therapy sessions

How can Occupational Therapy help my child?

The Occupational Therapists at ChildServe can help you find programs designed to support your child’s needs. Common areas of treatment include:

Fine Motor Skills / Handwriting
Visual Motor & Perceptual Skills
Activities of Daily Living
Sensory Processing / Sensory Integration
Motor Planning / Coordination
Splinting / Joint Mobility / Casting
Developmental Skills
Play Skills
Adaptive Equipment Recommendation
Wheelchair Positioning
Environmental Modification / Accessibility
Feeding Therapy
Spasticity Management
Therapeutic Positioning
Neuro Re-education / Reflex Integration
Development of Restorative / Maintenance Programs

How are referrals made?

To make a referral or request more information, call 515-331-4518 to talk with a Medical Social Worker who will help identify a funding source and send out an application for services.

Where are ChildServe’s Occupational Therapy services offered?

ChildServe’s facilities and equipment are designed specifically for children. Therapy services take place year-round at the following locations:

ChildServe – Ames
ChildServe – Des Moines
ChildServe – Johnston
ChildServe – Iowa City
ChildServe – Cedar Rapids

We also offer on-site occupational therapy for children enrolled in childcare at the ChildServe Developmental Center in Johnston or children receiving Medical Childcare services at our ChildServe – Des Moines location.

How are services authorized and funded?

Therapy services are funded through Iowa Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay. Services are authorized by the individual’s payor source and require a physician’s order. ChildServe will help the family in finding these items. The fees for each specific child and service will be discussed during the intake process.

When are ChildServe’s Occupational Therapy services offered?

Hours of operation for Johnston and Ames:

Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hours of operation for Iowa City:

Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What specialized equipment or technology does ChildServe use?

Our special equipment and technology include the following items:

Interactive Metronome
Dynavision
FES Bike
Universal Exercise Unit (UEU)
Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS)

View our Annual Outcomes

ChildServe regularly gathers child and family satisfaction feedback, quality reports, and census data to monitor our services and continuously improve the care and services we provide.

View Outcomes

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Ames

1915 Philadelphia Street,
Ames, IA 50010
515-232-7220

ChildServe – Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road,
Johnston, IA 50131
515-727-8750

ChildServe – Cedar Rapids

1661 Boyson Square Dr., Suite 100
Hiawatha, IA 52233
319-777-7450

ChildServe – Iowa City

2350 Oakdale Blvd.,
Coralville, IA 52241
319-351-5437

ChildServe – Des Moines

644 24th St.
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-280-5332

ChildServe - Johnston

ChildServe - Ames

ChildServe - Iowa City

ChildServe - Cedar Rapids

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 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.