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 Board Elections Update

2025 marks an important election year for the boards of directors of Iowa’s AEAs. Recent legislation (HF 2612) reduces AEA director districts from nine to five beginning in December 2025, changing how board members are selected and represented.

• All five director district seats are up for election this fall. Under the new structure, AEA boards will transition from nine elected members to a combination of five director district representatives and four at-large representatives who are superintendents (or their designees).
• The four superintendent-designated at-large seats will be selected this fall through a process developed by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Elections for director district positions will take place in October and November, with all newly elected and appointed members beginning their service at AEA board meetings in December.

Call to Action: Contact Heartland AEA Chief Administrator Dr. Cindy Yelick for specific details about how the election process will work (and opportunities to participate)!

Customized Braille: AEA Supports Students in Learning Braille Contractions

Did you know Iowa's AEAs provide comprehensive Braille services to support students who are blind or visually impaired? Access to Braille materials ensures these students have equitable access to educational content, and the way those materials are prepared can make a big difference in how students learn.

Our Library of Congress-certified Braillists don’t just transcribe materials—they customize them to align with each student’s current stage in learning Braille contractions. This means students receive materials that are tailored to their individual progression, whether they are just beginning to learn uncontracted Braille or are gradually being introduced to contracted forms. This customization helps build confidence and fluency in Braille literacy.

Our services include:

• Transcription of instructional resources into Braille
• Production of tactile graphics
• Customization of Braille materials to match a student’s current understanding and use of Braille contractions

Consultation with educators to support the integration of Braille literacy in the classroom
Learn more on our webpage or place your order on Creative Services Online.