Handicare

Handicare is a leader in Iowa in early childhood education. Operating since October 1981, Handicare became the first licensed child care center to achieve a level 4 rating in the Iowa Quality Rating System (QRS). Through the years, Handicare grew from a small licensed center for 15 children to one that provides inclusive child care services to more than 150 children. Our school complement program provides care for an additional 50 children. Handicare provides support and adaptation to help all children successfully participate in daily routines and developmentally-appropriate activities. Our goal is that all children are enabled to reach developmental milestones including age-appropriate social skills and school-readiness skills.

Handicare prioritizes children with needs that are higher than many childcare providers are trained to address. Thirty-eight of our children have diagnosed disabilities or special healthcare needs; 18 children are under the age of 6 and 20 are school age. Both groups include children who have medical needs such as trach care, apnea monitoring, oxygen-level monitoring, g-tube feedings, asthma treatments, intermittent catheterizations, blood-sugar monitoring, high-level first aid for blood clotting disorders and administration of prescription medications including injections and inhalants. In addition to medical monitoring and treatment most of our children also receive educational supports and adaptations and assistance with personal care routines. Handicare’s teachers and administrative staff work closely with each child’s family and partner agency professionals to identify areas of need and provide the appropriate supports to help ensure each child reaches his or her maximum potential.