Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Pediatric Healthcare Partner in Iowa
ChildServe is a leading pediatric healthcare provider dedicated to improving the lives of children with special healthcare needs. Founded in 1928, we operate Iowa's only children's specialty hospital and offer a comprehensive range of services including complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health programs, and community-based support. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists collaborates to create personalized care plans, emphasizing family partnership and child-led approaches. With over 90 years of experience, we combine advanced training, evidence-based practices, and state-of-the-art facilities to address developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions.Our continuum of care spans inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring seamless transitions between home, school, and community environments. We prioritize coordinated care models to streamline access to services, reduce logistical burdens for families, and enhance treatment outcomes through integrated therapies and technologies. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through CARF accreditations in 11 service areas, including autism and brain injury rehabilitation. By focusing on both medical needs and holistic development, we empower children and young adults to achieve independence and lead fulfilling lives.
Services
Autism Program
Applied Behavior Analysis
Day Habilitation
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Outpatient Therapy
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Case Management
Homecare Services
Respite Care
Specialty Clinics
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- CARF-accredited in 11 service areas including autism and brain injury rehabilitation
- Offers Iowa's only children's specialty hospital with comprehensive pediatric care
- Provides coordinated care models to streamline access to multiple services
- Employs multidisciplinary teams with advanced training in pediatric specialties
- Maintains state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for children's needs
Associations and certifications
- CARF
What people say
Gave my child a voice
Team of experts
Caring and dedicated staff
Transformed our lives
Family-centered approach
Services
Autism Program
ChildServe's comprehensive autism program provides specialized care for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our evidence-based approach combines applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology in a child-led environment. The program includes early intervention services, social skills groups, and life skills training for teens transitioning to adulthood. Our team of board-certified behavior analysts and therapists work closely with families to develop individualized treatment plans that promote communication, independence, and social development through engaging, play-based therapies.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
As Iowa's only children's specialty hospital, ChildServe offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for children recovering from brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and complex medical conditions. Our CARF-accredited program features specialized therapies including physical, occupational, and speech therapy delivered by certified pediatric rehabilitation specialists. The multidisciplinary team focuses on restoring function and independence through intensive therapy programs while providing family education and support throughout the recovery process.
Case Management
ChildServe's case management services help families navigate the complex healthcare system for children with special needs. Our experienced case managers develop individualized service plans, coordinate care across multiple providers, and connect families with community resources. The program focuses on strengths-based planning to help children achieve personal goals while ensuring compliance with Medicaid waiver requirements and maintaining high standards of care coordination.
Day Habilitation
This specialized program supports teens and young adults with developmental disabilities in building independence and community integration skills. Through individualized goal planning and structured activities, participants develop self-care abilities, social skills, and vocational readiness. The program emphasizes functional skill development in real-world settings with a 1:3 staff-to-participant ratio, providing personalized support while promoting peer interaction and community participation.
Homecare Services
ChildServe's homecare program delivers specialized medical and therapeutic services directly in patients' homes. Certified nurses and caregivers provide skilled care for children with complex medical needs, including respiratory support, feeding assistance, and technology-dependent care. The service enables children to receive high-quality medical attention in familiar environments while supporting families with training and 24/7 on-call clinical assistance to ensure continuity of care.
Questions
What services does ChildServe offer for children with autism?
ChildServe provides comprehensive autism services including early intervention, applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills groups, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and life skills programming for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Where are ChildServe's locations in Iowa?
ChildServe operates in Johnston, Ames, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids, offering coordinated care across central and eastern Iowa through multiple specialized facilities.
What are ChildServe's operating hours?
Most locations operate Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, with the Autism Day Program available Monday-Friday during extended hours.
How can I refer a child to ChildServe's programs?
Referrals can be made by parents, physicians, case managers, or therapists by contacting ChildServe directly through their website or location-specific phone numbers.
Is ChildServe accredited for its healthcare services?
Yes, ChildServe holds CARF accreditation in 11 service areas, including pediatrics, brain injury rehabilitation, spinal cord injury care, and autism services, demonstrating commitment to quality standards.
What age groups does ChildServe serve?
ChildServe provides services for children from birth through age 25, with specialized programs for infants, preschoolers, school-age children, teens, and young adults transitioning to adulthood.
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Reviews (5)
Sara Woja
Oct 01, 2021
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I work with the company for about 10 years nowAwesome company, friendly staff & manager's great and understanding
Jonathan Covalt
Sep 03, 2021
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We took a child here for the testing to determine whether he has ADHD or not based on his behaviors. The psychologists here are good. They deal well with children, and do a good job explaining their tests and the results to parents. We had originally scheduled to take our child in back in April to see a new psychologist. She did the initial interview with me and our son, mostly just asking questions about the behavior that prompted us to bring him in the first place. We then scheduled a follow-up, which was the actual testing of our child for May. This is where things took a bad turn. About
David Jones
Aug 31, 2021
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We have a special needs Granddaughter that absolutely LOVES the staff, other children and the fun activities. She spends a weekend a month there and always returns home with a huge smile. Staff seem loving, patient and, very good with our Granddaughter. Thank you for what you do and how well you do it.
Evern Nelson
Jan 16, 2021
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Childserve is a wonderful place. They have helped my son so much in the year he has been going there. The staff he works with are so pleasant and answer any questions you have. They listen to your concerns and evaluate your child to make sure they have a plan tailored to your child. Every time we check in the employees at the desk are cheerful and friendly. I have nothing negative at all to say.
Taya Benson
Jan 31, 2020
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS houspital! My daughter is treated so well here, and the Doctor's and Nurse's definitely know there stuff! I'm confident, reassured and hopeful everytime we leave!
