ChildServe Aquatics Programs

ChildServe Aquatics Programs
Facilities and Resources
The aquatic facilities at
ChildServe offer a safe,
encouraging environment
to foster each child’s
participation in
functional
activities.
The facility is handicapped accessible and features:
• Heated (92 F) 15-foot pool equipped for
shallow water activities
• Ramp entry with low incline angle
• Range between two and five feet in depth
• Changing areas with lockers
• Climate-controlled pool enclosure
• Recreational tools
Services Offered
• Adapted aquatics for kids with
special needs
• Aquatic therapy for both
inpatients and outpatients
(therapy is scheduled
through the physical/
occupational therapy
department)
• Community adult programs
• Family recreational
swimming
• Swim instruction for children
Aquatic Therapy
The aquatics program at ChildServe
combines the benefits of physical
therapy, occupational therapy and even
speech pathology with the advantages of
warm water exercise. Aquatic therapy is a
swimming pool-based treatment program with
wonderful benefits for children:
• The resistance of the water increases
strength and the ability to move the joints.
• Aquatic therapy is more comfortable since
the water makes it easier to handle the kids.
• Enhanced sensory feedback and body
awareness from the movement of the water.
• Muscles relax and are easier to stretch
because the pool is heated.
• Working in the water lets kids do things they
may not be able to do on land.
• Kids may work harder in the water than on land
because it takes less effort and is more fun.
• Kids love it!
Physical Therapy
Aquatic therapy can help children with an
assortment of neurological, genetic, developmental
and orthopedic disorders. Children who use a
wheelchair or other assistive devices to walk
on land can often swim or walk with
virtually no assistance in the water.
Aquatic therapy may be very useful
for children who can no longer
tolerate land-based exercises or for
whom traditional therapy has
become too difficult.
Occupational Therapy
Certified aquatic occupational therapists
work one on one with children with
developmental disabilities improving fine/gross
motor skills, sensory processing skills, focusing and
direction following skills as well as other areas of
development.
Therapeutic Recreation
Aquatic therapeutic recreation is
much more than playing in the water.
ChildServe offers therapeutic swimming
programs for children with specials needs.
Trained staff will assist swimmers with
specific skills such as prescribed exercises and
range of motion, or individually assess a participant
and design a program to fit his or her specific
needs. Therapeutic recreation provides children the
opportunity to explore, assess, and develop lifetime
leisure skills. Using a variety
of techniques, therapists
improve and maintain
the physical, mental,
and emotional wellbeing
of children.
Therapeutic Recreation Goals:
• Reducing depression, stress,
and anxiety
• Recovering basic motor
functioning
and reasoning abilities
• Building confidence
• Socializing effectively
• Enjoying greater independence
• Reducing the effects of their
illness or disability
• Learning how to use community
resources and recreational
activities.

Community Programs
Youth Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are available for
children with special health care
needs as well as those who are
typically developing.
Arthritis Water Exercise
Water is a safe, ideal
environment for relieving
arthritis pain and stiffness.
ChildServe’s water exercise
program is designed to safely keep
your joints moving and improve your
sense of well-being. The program allows you to
exercise without putting excess strain on your
joints and muscles. The gentle activities in warm
water, with guidance from an Arthritis Foundation
certified instructor, will help you gain strength and
flexibility.
Community Swim
ChildServe’s aquatics facility is open to individuals
in the community as well as groups and
organizations. We welcome schools, childcare
centers, Mommy & Me groups, and other
organizations to schedule times to use our warm
water pool and equipment. Please contact us for a
current schedule of activities.
Special Events
ChildServe’s aquatics center
is available for rental for
special events including
birthday parties
and family
gatherings.
ChildServe is a not-for-profit organization that
partners with families to help children with special
health care needs live a great life. Originally founded
in 1928 as a convalescent home for children, today
ChildServe provides specialized pediatric health care
services to approximately 1,500 children in Iowa.
Through the support of private insurance, public
funds, and the generosity of donors, ChildServe
offers accessible, family-centered care unique to
each child’s needs, hopes, and dreams.
Johnston Center
5609 Greendale Road
P.O. Box 707
Johnston, IA 50131
tel 515.278.2499
fax 515.278.0826
Employment
Staff Resource Manager
515.727.8750
Foundation and Giving
Director of Development
515.727.2356
ChildServe Center - Johnston
5406 Merle Hay Road
P.O. Box 707
Johnston, IA 50131
tel 515.727.8750
fax 515.727.8757
ChildServe Center - Ames
1915 Philadelphia Street
Ames, IA 50010
tel 515.232.7220
fax 515.232.3834
ChildServe Childcare Centers
Woodland Center
644 24th Street
Des Moines, IA 50311
tel 515.280.5332
Public Relations
Communications Manager
515.727.1478
Volunteering
Volunteer Coordinator
515.331.8139
For more information, please visit
www.childserve.org.
We partner with families to help children
with special health care needs live a great life.
ChildServe
Aquatics Programs