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

  

AEA Van Delivery Holiday Closures & Weather Delay Procedures

With fall and winter break approaching, we want to share a quick reminder of the upcoming holiday closures and our procedures for weather and unplanned service delays. 

Upcoming AEA Van Delivery Holiday Closures 

The AEAs have contracted holidays when van delivery service will be closed. 

Please note the following dates: 

• Nov. 27 & Nov. 28, 2025: Thanksgiving 
• Dec. 23, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026: Christmas & New Year’s Holidays (eight days) except the Des Moines Public Schools route, which will run on Dec. 23

Procedures for Unplanned Delays & Cancellations 

The safety of our drivers is our top priority. In the event of an unplanned disruption, such as severe weather, closures or unforeseen issues, van routes may be temporarily delayed or canceled. Please understand that the availability of rescheduled deliveries will depend on our capacity and driver staffing.

Discover Heartland AEA’s Extensive Catalog of Classroom-Ready Materials

Did you know our Creative Services Department has a catalog of hundreds of ready-to-print items for your building and classrooms? 

Use the search bar at the top of Creative Service Online to browse by subject or keyword or click Browse Products to look through our full catalog of instructional materials. 

Not finding what you’re looking for? Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions or to discuss a custom project!

UNI Offering "Empower Educators" Scholarships for Practicing Teachers

What: Empower Educators Scholarship for spring 2026 -- funding that bridges the gap between undergraduate and graduate tuition, saving $220 per credit hour 

For: Practicing teachers seeking these graduate-level endorsements and certificates: 

• Special education endorsements (Strat I, Strat II – ID and BD/LD) 
• Reading endorsement 
• Early childhood education endorsement 
• NEW! PK-K Early childhood special education endorsement & Graduate Certificate
• Artificial intelligence in education (grad certificate) 
• Transformative education (grad certificate) 

Whether looking to add an endorsement or begin work on a stackable master’s degree, this is a cost-effective path for professional advancement. Interested? Just complete this short application to confirm eligibility. 

Feel free to share with others in your network! Questions? Reach out to Cheryl Meller, graduate recruitment coordinator, at (319) 273-6255.

Advance Your Paraeducator Certification in Early Childhood

Take the next step in your paraeducator career! 

This course fulfills the requirement for the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II – Area of Concentration: Early Childhood. Learn strategies to support the social, emotional and behavioral development of young learners, ages 3–5. 

📍 Zoom & Online Coursework 
🗓️ Feb. 9, 23; March 9, 23; April 6 & 20 (5–7 p.m.)
 📅 Register by Feb. 2, 2026 
🔗 Registration