Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

 

Student Planners: Help Keep Your Students Organized and Engaged!

Quality, affordable and beautifully-designed student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA. Planners can support student engagement and awareness of school events, activities and projects. Visit our website to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Order before the end of May to ensure delivery by the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Fundamentals of Restorative Practices: Strengthening School Culture Through Community & Connection

Creating a positive and supportive school culture is at the heart of student success. One approach that has gained momentum in schools across the country is restorative practices—a framework focused on building relationships, fostering accountability and resolving conflicts in meaningful ways.

Educators and school leaders interested in deepening their understanding of restorative practices are invited to participate in the upcoming Fundamentals of Restorative Practices training, hosted by Heartland AEA at the Johnston Regional Education Center on April 14-15, 2025.

During this two-day training, participants will explore practical strategies for:
✔ Setting high expectations while providing support
✔ Using direct feedback and reflective questioning to promote accountability
✔ Implementing proactive and responsive methods for conflict resolution

A key focus of the training will be learning to facilitate restorative circles—a structured approach to building community, engaging students in learning, resolving social issues and repairing harm when it occurs.

This face-to-face course includes:
✅ Two full-day sessions (April 14 & 15, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
✅ Pre-work assignments (approximately 4 hours of individual learning)
✅ Interactive learning experiences to apply restorative strategies
✅ 1 License Renewal Credit (for those selecting the credit option)

Registration - Register by April 7
Registration Link

• Licensure Renewal Credit (1 Credit/15 Hours) – $200
• Participant Only (15 Instructor-Led Hours) – $150
• $5 materials fee (for printed training materials)

Location
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston, IA

Thank You for Submitting Your 2025-26 Service Orders – Ongoing Requests Welcome!

Thank you for completing your order forms for 2025-2026 services. We will continue to take orders now and throughout the school year. Priority placements are made for services that require Professional Service Providers on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to develop a service plan to meet your school or district needs, reach out to our Service for Fee Leaders:

Jadie Boens, Professional Service Providers & SEBH
Crista Carlile & Wendy Robinson, Professional Service Providers & Content Experts
Susan Schrader, Library & Digital Resources
Amy Wichman, Technology
Susie Meade, Chief Academic Officer

Curso 1 de Certificación de Paraeducadores: Fundamentos

Toda la instrucción y los recursos para este curso serán en español

La certificación de paraeducador es un proceso mediante el cual una persona puede obtener una capacitación profunda y ser reconocida por completar con éxito esa capacitación a través de un programa reconocido por el estado. La certificación de paraeducador no es requerida por ley, pero puede ser requerida por los distritos escolares locales.

Todo el trabajo de curso para las clases se completa en línea. La certificación de paraeducador requiere que se complete una experiencia clínica de 10 horas en un entorno escolar. Los paraeducadores actualmente empleados pueden completar este requisito en el salón de clases en el que trabajan actualmente.

Curso 1 de Certificación de Paraeducadores: Fundamentos
REUNIÓN DE ZOOM
28 ABRIL 2025
5:30-8:30 PM
Register Aqui

SAVE THE DATE for our Regional Secondary Transition Fair!

This event is designed to empower students with disabilities and their families as they plan for their futures of living, learning, and working after high school. We're excited to announce the vendors who will be attending! Vendor List

April 14, 2025
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Waukee Innovative Learning Center

Superintendent and Education Leaders Update

The March 2025 Superintendent and Education Leaders Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.