Toolkits and Resources

Toolkits and Resources

This Toolkits and Resource hub has been thoughtfully curated to support pediatricians, parents, and caregivers with reliable, practical information on a wide range of child health topics. Its purpose is to provide easy access to evidence-based guidance, tools, and educational materials that can be used both in clinical settings and at home. By bringing together trusted resources in one place, we aim to strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers and families, promote informed decision-making, and ultimately help children thrive in every stage of development.

For Pediatricians and other Child Health Professionals:

The following cultivated list was curated by IA AAP members to support child health professionals in their work to care for the children and families in our state.

  • Mental Health Toolkit: this toolkit was created by Dr. Amy Shriver and Dr. Michael Colburn for pediatricians with various local, statewide, and national resources on adolescent mental health. Last updated in 2020.
  • Iowa Medicaid EPSDT: this website is for Health Providers to promote the health, development and well-being of Iowa's children including the Iowa EPDST Periodicity Schedule, information on annual exams, developmental stages and care, mental health care, and so much more.
  • Genetic Conditions Info for Families: this webpage cultivated by our chapter and partners, describes the Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC) Title V program for children and youth with special health care needs. CHSC has a program to provide family support to Iowa families of children with six heritable disorders through social media.
  • Opioid One-Pager: this was created by AAP and Casey's Foundation for Iowa-specific data, last updated in 2018.
  • 5-2-1-0 Childhood Obesity Toolkit: The purpose of this toolkit is to provide a system and structure to facilitate quick and quality conversations around healthy habits and goal-setting with parents and children using brief action planning and motivational interviewing. This toolkit contains provider guides and education materials for 9 healthy habits, including the habits referenced in the Healthy Habits Survey. Materials have been developed to include current recommendations and messages from MyPlate, 5-2-1-0, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

For Parents and Caregivers:

HealthyChildren.org logo

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports the website HealthyChildren.org,  the only parenting website backed by more than 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

You'll find information regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics many programs and activities, our policies and guidelines, our publications and other child health resources, as well as much, much more. Best of all, you can rest assured that the information comes from the nation's leading child health experts and that we have scientific research supporting our recommendations.

Disaster Preparedness:

  • Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other News Events : Caregivers should know that it’s important to start by asking children what they’ve already heard about a tragic event and encourage them to share their questions, since this helps clear up confusion and guides how much information to provide. Explanations should always be age-appropriate, honest, and limited to what a child can understand, while avoiding graphic or overwhelming details and minimizing repeated exposure to news or social media coverage.
  • AAP Tips on Talking to a Child After a Disaster (video): Dr. David Hill, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, offers some simple tips on how to talk to children after a disaster. Children as young as age 4 will be exposed to information and news programs about a disaster, like a natural event or a school shooting, so parents should be equipped to talk to their children to help them cope.
  • How to Support Your Child's Resilience in a Time of Crisis: This article explains that while it’s not possible to shield children from all difficult events, strong connections with family, friends, teachers, and community play a powerful role in supporting resilience and recovery. By modeling calmness, restoring routines, and encouraging open communication, caregivers can give children the stability and support they need to cope effectively and even grow stronger through adversity.
  • Childhood Exposure to Violence: This article focuses on that caregivers should know that children exposed to crime or violence may react with fear, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or even physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches. It’s important to give children space to share their feelings, offer reassurance about their safety, and seek professional help if worries or symptoms persist. Restoring routines, staying emotionally available, and limiting exposure to violent media can all help children regain a sense of normalcy and strengthen their ability to cope.
  • Disasters and Children: Caregivers can use tools like the Family Readiness Kit, which guides essential disaster planning, the Emergency Information Form to document critical health details for responders, and a Disaster Preparedness Flyer with quick tips and checklists. The AAP also emphasizes supporting children emotionally by maintaining routines, encouraging open communication, and seeking professional help if needed. Using these resources, families can enhance both their practical preparedness and their children’s resilience during emergencies.
  • Helping Children Cope and Adjust After a Disaster: After a disaster, the AAP encourages caregivers to ensure children feel safe, cared for, and supported, while explaining what happened in ways they can understand. Families can help children cope by keeping routines, limiting exposure to frightening media, and offering comfort, reassurance, and opportunities to express their feelings. This article details more information on how to support yourself and your children.

Gun Violence:

  • Gun Safety and Injury Prevention: Caregivers will learn how to reduce the risk of gun-related injuries by safely storing firearms—locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition—and by talking with their children about gun safety. They’ll understand the importance of modeling responsible behavior and being aware of their children’s environment. Following these practices helps families create a safer home and protect children from preventable harm.
  • AAP Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy Toolkit: Caregivers will learn practical strategies to reduce the risk of gun-related injuries at home and in their communities. They will gain guidance on how to talk to children about gun safety, ask about firearms before playdates, and safely store firearms. The toolkit also provides resources to help caregivers advocate for safer environments and educate others about preventing firearm injuries.

Trauma Informed Care:

  • Trauma Informed Care: Caregivers will learn how trauma can affect children’s development and behavior and how to create supportive, safe, and nurturing environments. They will gain strategies for recognizing signs of trauma, responding with empathy, and fostering resilience. By applying trauma-informed approaches, caregivers can help children feel understood, supported, and better able to thrive.
  • NCTSN Resource: Introduction: Secondary Traumatic Stress: Caregivers will learn that secondary traumatic stress (STS) is the emotional strain resulting from hearing about or witnessing others' traumatic experiences, which can affect anyone, including parents and caregivers. Recognizing the signs of STS—such as irritability, fatigue, or withdrawal—is crucial for self-awareness and seeking support.

Childhood Healthy Habits - Obesity Prevention and Healthy Development

Mental Health

  • Scanlan Center for School Mental Health: Referrals are available for caregivers, teachers, students, and self referral for 18+ students. Services are available in-person and virtual.
    • Individual Counseling
    • Group Counseling
    • Child Psychiatry
    • Specialty Evaluations
    • Post-Crisis Counseling
  • ChildServe - Specialized weekday care for children and young adults with medical needs and developmental delays. Additional services include on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy in Ames and Des Moines location and access to Complex Care Clinic in Johnston.
  • ASK Resource Center: ASK (Access for Special Kids) Resource Center is a parent training, information, and advocacy center for families of children with special needs across the state of Iowa.
  • Hands & Voices Iowa H&V is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are unbiased about communication and believe that families will make the best choices for their child. It is a safe place to explore options, get support, learn from one another and share what we have in common, and honor the role of parents and family as the single greatest factor in raising a WASK, (Well Adjusted Successful Kid).
  • COMING SOON - Booklist focused on mental health and social emotional learning for Preschool, Middle School / Tweens, and High School / Teens.
  • COMING SOON - Iowa Mental Health Resource One-Pager

Additional Links for Parents
The following links have been provided as suggestions. This list is by no means exhaustive and the IA AAP can assume no responsibility for content on linked sites. If you have concerns about any listed site, please contact us.

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