New Special Education Teacher IEP Training Announced for Fall 2025

As you bring on new special education teachers for 2025-26, please note the updated IEP training options designed for those new to the field or new to special education in Iowa. All training and community opportunities are free. Detailed schedules and registration information are in this overview document.

Highlights:

• IEP Training Sessions: Step-by-step guidance on IEP process and compliance
• Virtual Community of Practice: NEW for 2025-26—a no-cost, online support group for new special education teachers

Take Our Survey on AEA Services for 504 Support & Medicaid LMHP Sign-Off

Please share with your District Approvers

While the majority of the special education services districts have received from Heartland AEA will continue at no charge, Iowa’s AEAs have identified specific special education program enhancements that districts may want to continue that do not align with the Iowa Department of Education's guidance (i.e., Distribution and Use of State and Federal Special Education Allocations Beginning July 1, 2025, AEA Special Education Funded Staff Involvement in General Education Interventions) around what AEA special education practitioners provide as part of their special education role. Two of those services are Medicaid sign-off from a Licensed Mental Health Professional and 504 Plan support from an AEA practitioner.

To clarify which services your district intends to continue, we need your input through this brief 2-question survey by Aug. 1. This will help us accurately communicate with our special education staff about approved services.

Coming Soon! Preschool Specially Designed Instruction PD Opportunity

Heartland AEA is excited to announce the upcoming Preschool Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Professional Development series for the 2025-26 school year. This statewide initiative is designed to empower early childhood educators with the knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality, specially designed instruction to improve outcomes for young learners with disabilities.

About Preschool SDI
Preschool SDI is part of Iowa’s commitment to inclusive, effective early childhood education. The SDI framework helps practitioners diagnose, design and deliver customized instruction, offering both embedded and individualized learning opportunities for preschool students. Participants will examine fidelity tools, professional learning materials, coaching supports and action planning resources, all grounded in the Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices.

Scope & Sequence
For the full three-year scope and sequence of Preschool SDI, please visit the Preschool SDI website.

What Will Participants Learn?

• Year 1: Apply the critical features of the SDI Framework and DEC Recommended Practices, along with universal supports for inclusive classrooms to ensure effective SDI for all children.
• Year 2: Design evidence-based instruction that is embedded throughout the day and leverages child engagement and social learning opportunities as instructional foundations.
• Year 3: Use a data-based approach to measure fidelity and implement a plan for full integration of Preschool SDI practices.

2025-26 Training Dates and Locations:

Preschool SDI Year 1 (Central Cohort)
Sept. 24, 2025 Register for Session 54224

Preschool SDI Year 2

• Central Cohort: Oct. 1, 2025 Register for Session 54226
• South Cohort: Oct. 8, 2025 Register for Session 54225

Preschool SDI Year 3

• North Cohort: Oct. 15, 2025 Register for Session 54228
• West Cohort: Oct. 6, 2025 Register for Session 54227