Children Services

In 1989, in conjunction with the Arc of Black Hawk County, EPI started a respite program that provided relief and support to families who face stress in caring around-the-clock for their children with special needs. Today, respite services are provided to families with children, youth up to 18 years old, and adults who have mental disabilities, physical disabilities, significant delays or behavioral difficulties. Supported Community Living services, a component of Community Living Children, provides one-to-one skill development for children and youth with disabilities.

The program offers both in-home and out-of-home child care services by staff members thoroughly screened and specifically trained to provide appropriate levels of care to meet the needs of each child and family.

Service choices include:

*Individual Respite---one-to-one child care in home with a focus on recreation (individually scheduled; ages birth to 18)

*Group Respite---group recreation activities---games, crafts, sports, movies, music, pets, and more (offered Monday through Thursday, 3-7:30pm, Friday, 3-10pm, and one weekend per month---follows Waterloo Schools inclement weather dismissal schedule; group is also available two Saturdays per month, 9am-4pm and one overnight weekend per month, 3pm Friday -10pm Saturday, ages 4 to 18)

*Teen Group---group recreation activities---computers, music, cooking, sports, trips, movies, and more (offered two Saturdays per month with additional hours in the summer; ages 13 to 18)

*Summer Day Program---summer program incorporating trips, crafts, nature study, games, and special guest visitors (offered four weeks during the summer; ages 6 to13)

*Dayhabilitation---group activities including exercise, games, computers, `social activities, cooking, and trips with a skill development focus (arranged individually as day or hourly program; ages 16+ or 14+ to 18 with special exception as eligible)

*Supported Community Living---one-to-one skill development to increase independence and capabilities (arranged individually as needed; ages infant to 18)

Service funding options include: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) MR waiver, Ill & Handicapped waiver, Brain Injury waiver, United Way, grants, or private pay.

For more information about Children Services, contact Connie Lewis, Intake Specialist, VIA E-mail at: Connie.Lewis@episervice.org; or by phone at: 319-274-8209, x472.