Youth Home
In July 2003, an eight-bed duplex was opened in Altoona to better meet the needs of children with autism that need intensive supervision and support. This home has both private and semi-private bedrooms and includes a sensory room that provides a variety of interactive experiences for the children.
While living at the home, children receive individualized teaching regarding daily residential, recreational, educational, social and communication skills. As children age and come closer to becoming an adult, they may also participate in some vocational programming.
All children living at the youth home attend school at the South East Polk School District or the Des Moines Public Schools. Transportation to and from schools are coordinated with the school district.
The home is staffed 24 hours a day when the children are present. Typical staffing patterns are 1 associate to 2 children during waking hours and 1 staff to 4 children during sleeping hours. The program is licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility for People With Mental Retardation (ICF/MR).
For more information about The Homestead's Youth Home, contact The Homestead at 515-967-4369 or info@TheHomestead.org or apply for admission online.
