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
Educators, families and residents within the Heartland AEA service area are invited to share personal experiences on children’s mental health services at a listening post to be held on Oct. 8, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Heartland AEA at 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston.
Listening posts are being hosted at locations across Iowa on behalf of the Children’s System State Board established by Gov. Kim Reynolds in April. The board will review the information gathered from these listening posts as part of its charge to review existing resources and develop a strategic plan with specific recommendations to implement a better approach to help children with mental health issues. The report is due to the governor on Nov. 15.
Two additional opportunities have been created for individuals who are unable to attend the Oct. 8 event:
Join an Online Listening Post
An online listening post has been scheduled for Oct. 4 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. To join from your computer, click on this link: https://zoom.us/j/290354386. To join via phone, dial (646) 876-9923 and enter meeting code: 290-354-386.
Complete an Online Survey
A survey is available for those unable to attend a listening post. That survey can be accessed at this link: https://goo.gl/V25AeU. The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 12.
Questions can be directed to Jeff Herzberg, Children’s System Board Member and Chief Administrator at Prairie Lakes AEA at jherzberg@plaea.org or (515) 570-2601.
Iowa’s AEAs will host the Legislative Advocacy Event on Feb. 4-5, 2019 at Prairie Meadows. Registration and more details available at: https://www.smore.com/h04a9. This year’s event begins with an update from members of the education lobby and preparation for the morning conversations with legislators. We will meet at the capitol the next morning to talk with legislators. We all know this will be a challenging session for state funding. Please make it a priority to join us in Des Moines. Making your voice heard has never been more important.
