This yearlong professional development equips educators with tools and strategies to support early emergent readers and writers with complex needs, helping school teams strengthen specially designed language, communication, and literacy instruction.
Participants will learn to use the Iowa Literacy Observation Tool and the SDI Instructional Planning Tool to analyze classroom conditions, guide instructional decisions, and apply practices through case studies and team collaboration. For maximum benefit, schools are encouraged to attend as teams of educators, though individual registration is welcome.
Seats are limited to 25 participants, and registration closes Jan. 28, 2026. Credit options are available. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand literacy access for students with significant disabilities—secure your spot today.
Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities
Date: Begins Jan. 30, 2026
Location: Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Registration: Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities (SWSD SDI)
Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14 & Jan. 9This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for conventional learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.
Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Nov. 14, Dec. 4, Dec. 12
This course will cover a framework for instruction of mathematical ideas for students with
significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa core standards. Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for emergent learners will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding.
Johnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration Link
The Iowa Department of Education has directed AEAs to use state-allocated children’s mental health training funds to provide CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training—at no cost—for schools during the 2025–26 school year. This means all CPI training facilitators, materials and sessions will be fully funded for districts.
Heartland AEA Trainings
- Open to all schools in the Heartland AEA service area
- Fall sessions: September / October 2025
- Winter sessions: January / February 2026
View Training Dates & Register: 2025–26 CPI Training Offerings
Training Format (Blended Learning)
- Online modules (2 hrs): complete prior to class
- Classroom session (3 hrs): practice application and intervention skills
- The blended approach ensures that participants not only understand crisis prevention and intervention strategies but also gain hands-on practice to confidently apply them.
Who Should Attend?
- Staff with the highest likelihood of needing to be involved in physical restraint and/or seclusion
- Educators who may directly intervene in crisis situations and would benefit from de-escalation and intervention skills
