Feb. 23 - Ames
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March 27 - Johnston
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As shared in July 2025, Heartland AEA has transitioned our CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® training model to be more cost-efficient. We are now operating under a service-area-based training model. This means we will offer CPI training across the Heartland AEA service area at multiple times throughout the year. These trainings are open to any districts/schools within the Heartland AEA service area. We will offer a series of pre-service sessions in August 2026, followed by offerings in September/October 2026 and January/February 2027.
Based on what we know at this point, we will continue to align with the Iowa Department of Education directive that Iowa’s AEAs utilize state-allocated, children’s mental health school-based training and support funds to offer CPI training, free of charge, to school districts. Therefore, for the 2026-2027 school year, Heartland CPI training facilitators and materials will continue to be provided at no cost.
Please refer to all the training details in the CPI Communication for 2026-2027. If you have any questions, please contact Jadie Boens, Director of School and Student Support Services.
There are no changes to testing procedures for homeschooled students this spring. However, beginning in spring 2027, there will be a cost associated with certain testing services. Here is information for testing in spring 2027:
Competent Private Instruction (CPI – Option 1 or 2)
Public school districts in Iowa are required to offer testing opportunities at no cost to families participating in CPI Option 1 or 2, as outlined in the Private Instruction Handbook. Districts may contract with Heartland AEA to provide these services. Beginning in spring 2027, districts will be billed for the cost of materials, test administration and any additional expenses incurred by the AEA, plus 14%. Parents with questions about CPI testing should contact their resident school district.
Independent Private Instruction (IPI)
Students homeschooled under IPI may request participation in an annual assessment from the list of approved options in the Private Instruction Handbook. The cost of the assessment is billed directly to the family. Families will work with Heartland AEA to schedule the assessment.
See this flyer for details on testing support for homeschooled students in spring 2027.
Our Creative Services team is offering a sweet treat as a thank you to our educator and district staff partners. We’re offering a one-time use discount of 14% off your entire Creative Services printing order.
Visit Creative Services Online and enter the promo code SWEET14 on the payment screen and click Apply before paying for your order.
Promotion code available for one-time use only. Offer available Feb. 1 - Feb. 28, 2026. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.
