When you see something fun happening at ChildServe, it can be tempting to take pictures or videos. We get it! We're grateful that there's always something unique, fun or down-right adorable happening in our building. However, as a healthcare provider, we also take privacy very seriously. ChildServe's photograph and video policy, which aligns with HIPAA requirements, prohibits families from filming/photographing each other or children served without permission. 

We ask that if you take a photo of your child while they're at ChildServe, please ensure that they are the only child in the photo and that no other kids, teens or parents are in the background. Here's a simple guide:

• Your own child: Snap away! But, be careful not to accidentally include anyone in the background.
• Other kids & families: Do not take any photos/videos.
• Our team members: Please ask first. They can let you know whether they're comfortable being in your photo.

ChildServe's email security system is getting an upgrade that will impact families and external partners receiving encrypted emails from our organization. Currently, to gain access to an encrypted email from ChildServe, recipients must log in to our secure email portal with an account they create. Beginning May 31, recipients must log in to Microsoft’s secure email portal with a one-time code to access encrypted emails. To learn more about this new system and how to use it, click the button below.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about children being injured after ingesting water beads. As a result, ChildServe recently discontinued the use of water beads in all of our services as a preventative safety measure.

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What are Water Beads? 

Water beads are small polymer beads that expand when soaked in water. Other names include gel beads, jelly beads, water orbs, hydro orbs, polymer beads and Orbeez. Most beads expand to the size of a marble, and jumbo beads can grow to the size of a tennis ball. Water beads are often used for a fun sensory activity and have many benefits when used with careful supervision.

Why Did We Discontinue Our Use of Them?

Beads are easily swallowed, inhaled or inserted into the nose or ears. If swallowed, these beads pose a serious threat to the well-being of a child. Once beads are exposed to saliva, stomach acid or other liquid, they continue to expand in the body, which can cause serious gastrointestinal issues. Because of their gel-like consistency, the beads do not move easily through the body. Children may require surgery to remove the expanded beads. Some children who have swallowed the beads have been diagnosed with toxic encephalopathy and other neurological disorders.

We are sharing this information so families can be aware of these risks and use appropriate caution if they choose to use water beads at home.

The continuous health coverage for Iowa Medicaid members established during the federal Public Health Emergency ended on April 1, 2023. The following resources can help those members who no longer qualify for Medicaid or Hawki to secure other healthcare coverage:

• Navigator Agency | Navigators provide in-person insurance enrollment assistance to individuals, families and small businesses and their employees that would like help applying for health insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace.
• Marketplace Coverage | You can get local, Marketplace-certified help by visiting the following website: Get help applying and more | HealthCare.gov

Currently, Iowa Medicaid contracts with two managed care organizations (MCOs), Amerigroup and Iowa Total Care, to provide services for most Medicaid and Hawki members. Molina Healthcare was selected as a third MCO. Molina is expected to begin providing services on July 1, 2023.

All members will receive an open enrollment letter soon announcing the addition of Molina and that MCO member reassignments go into effect on July 1, 2023. Check your letter to see if your child stayed with their current MCO or if there was a change. If you like the MCO your child is assigned to, you do not need to do anything. If you want to make a change, contact Medicaid Member Services. Open enrollment will run through May 18, 2023.

"While we recently celebrated Mother’s Day, moms and mother figures deserve to be celebrated all year round. To all the moms raising children with special healthcare needs, I want you to know I am one of you and I see you."

Click the button below to hear more Mom-to-Mom encouragement in this Forward Together blog post written by Christina DeShaw, a mother of three children, two of whom were born with a rare heart condition.

Sibshops is a fun and engaging support group for children ages 6 -12 years old who have a sibling with special healthcare needs. Participants receive peer support and information in a recreational setting similar to a day camp.

ChildServe will host two more Sibshops in 2023. There are limited spots available, so click the dates below for more information and register early!

• Saturday, July 29
• Saturday, October 28

The ChildServe Snack Shack is at your service! Snack Shack is a mobile cart full of yummy pre-packaged treats available for purchase. Individuals in our Day Habilitation and Autism Life Skills programs have worked hard to get the cart up and running! Alongside ChildServe staff, they will be running the cart while practicing business skills like communication, making transactions, purchasing inventory and restocking. The cart will be set up outside the elevators near Welcome Center A.

• Mondays from 1 - 2:15 p.m.
• Tuesdays from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Snack Shack is not a profitable business and doesn't have paid employees. All money made goes directly back into restocking supplies and supporting the cart.

The lost and found at ChildServe - Johnston is full of jackets, coats, water bottles, gloves, t-shirts and more. We only hold items for a few months after they are found. If you think you may have left something behind, please ask our Welcome Center staff to search the lost and found.

Dreamnight at the Blank Park Zoo is a free annual event designed just for children with special healthcare needs and their families. Activities include train rides, costume characters, animal enrichment demonstrations, crafts, dinner and more! This year’s events are scheduled for June 2 and 3, from 6 - 8 p.m. 

Limited Tickets Available: 

ChildServe is a proud sponsor of this event, and as a result, we have a limited number of tickets to offer our ChildServe families! Tickets will be available at our welcome centers on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday, June 24. Families must receive a hard-copy ticket (good for up to six family members) and must RSVP online using the link on their ticket. 

While we would love to provide every ChildServe family with a ticket, the Zoo limits capacity in order to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone. If you’re not able to snag a ticket this year, you can check with your other providers to see if they have tickets available, or try again next year.

As a participant in the Principal Charity Classic Birdies for Charity program, ChildServe is proud to offer families we serve the opportunity to join the Junior Golf Clinic.

All children ages seven to 15 are welcome and will have the chance to interact with PGA TOUR Champions professionals as they share their knowledge of golf, along with Wakonda Club staff who will teach the fundamentals of the game. Golf clubs are welcome but not required to attend. Complimentary parking and shuttle service is available for all participants at the Bell Avenue Business Center parking lot, located at 1901 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315.

Based on your child's interest or ability, they can meet the professionals, enjoy a day on the links, or try their hand at the driving range. To register your child please reply to this email for further instructions. Space is limited so register today!

Join the Ankeny Fire Department as they celebrate Emergency Medical Services Week. This open house is for individuals with disabilities and their families. Activities have been modified for those with special healthcare needs:

• Meet Ankeny first responders in a fun, safe and sensory-friendly way.
• Explore a fire engine, police car and an ambulance and meet personnel on their terms, making future encounters less frightening.
• Tour the Fire Department.
• Spray water from a fire hose.
• Explore firefighters’ protective gear.
• Make an emergency plan for your family.
• Fire extinguisher and hands-only CPR trainings.
• Quiet and sensory-friendly areas.
• Meet Ankeny Police officers

This June, Community Support Advocates’ Momentum Art Program will present a series of immersive art experiences through the perspectives of artists with disabilities. The exhibition features artist, Abby Neiderhauser, and her experience with autism, artist, Leo Bird, and his experience with autism and social isolation, and other artists' experiences with mental health and neurodiversity. Take Up Space will be open to the public the first few weeks of June, with an opening reception June 2, 2023.

Register today for the Summer Drama Troupe through Adventures in Social Development! Participants will have opportunities to cultivate relationship development through performance-based activities and music-making initiatives that showcase their wants, needs, talents and abilities.

Special Needs Swim Nights | Wednesdays, June 14 and July 26 | 7:15–8:45 p.m.

Each swimmer must be accompanied one-on-one in the water by an adult or SCL worker at all times. All ages are invited.

Sensory-friendly Swim Nights | Wednesdays, June 28 and July 12 | 7:15–8:45 p.m.

Designed for people who have autism or those with sensory needs, many of the aquatic center features will be closed or turned off during this time. Each swimmer must be accompanied one-on-one in the water by an adult or SCL worker at all times.

Click the button below to download a collection of resources from the Autism Society of Iowa about time management techniques for teens with autism.