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

  

Bring Your Lunch - and Learn About Family Reunification Following an Emergency

Once an incident's immediate threat or danger has passed, the reunification of families begins. This process has been implemented across the nation and requires specific planning. Learn how Heartland AEA is supporting schools if there is ever a time they are in crisis.

Currently, Heartland AEA partners with schools, emergency management, law enforcement, emergency services and communities in Polk and Jasper counties to work together for reunification.

Family Reunification Lunch & Learn
Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Polk County Emergency Operations Center, 1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines

Presenters from Heartland AEA: Stacey Warren, Aimee Schuppe, Dustin Gean and Chris Pierson
To register, click this link.

For more information, contact Polk County Emergency Management.

Save the Date - Oct. 4: Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Oct. 4 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The meeting will include a learning session on Family Engagement with guest facilitator, Ron Mirr. Agenda here. There is no Zoom option for this meeting. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

Family Engagement
The research is clear: when families are involved in their child’s learning, children perform better in school. The question is not whether to do family engagement but how. Family engagement should never be the goal. Rather, family engagement should be a school improvement strategy that, when combined with effective classroom instruction, helps all students reach higher levels of achievement. During this session, participants will learn about the three pillars of an effective family engagement strategy their districts can employ to help all families support their child’s academic and social-emotional growth.