Reminder: Additional DCAP Support Opportunities

Virtual Support — Jan. 27, 2026 

Need help as you finalize your DCAP plan? Join one of our come-and-go Zoom support sessions on Jan. 27. 

Drop in anytime between 9:00–11:00 a.m. or 1:00–3:00 p.m. to ask questions and get guidance. Register here 

In-Person Workshop — Feb. 12, 2026 

Join us at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for a DCAP workshop focused on collaboration and best practices. The day will include dedicated team planning time and district showcases to highlight key takeaways. 

Register here 

Important DCAP Dates 

• Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026: Mark your calendar to ensure timely submission. 
• Review Day: April 21, 2026: The DCAP review will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Each district must send at least one representative. Additional details about reviewers will be shared soon. If you have any questions or need additional support, email rpp11@ghaea.org.

Bring Your Priorities: Making the Most of Your District Service Plan Meeting

As you prepare for your upcoming District Service Plan meeting with Heartland AEA, we encourage you to reflect on your school improvement goals and the initiatives you hope to strengthen in the coming year.

This meeting is a chance for us to dig in together—reviewing progress, identifying challenges and exploring where additional support could enhance implementation. It’s also an ideal time to consider roles your district may benefit from, but not necessarily in a full-time capacity, such as:

• Special education director

• Curriculum director

• Instructional coach

• Content-specific expert

We can discuss how shared or partially supported staffing options might elevate your work.

In addition, please think about how our Media & Technology Services can support your curriculum, classroom instruction and both current and future technology needs.

Arriving with these priorities in mind will help us co-create a service plan that is responsive, aligned and fully supportive of your district’s goals.

We’re proud to offer high-quality services at competitive prices. And don’t forget—districts that sign up for professional services with our Professional Service Providers by Feb. 2, 2026, will receive a 5% discount.

We look forward to partnering with you in 2026!

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 Van Delivery Holiday Closures & Weather Delay Procedures

With fall and winter break approaching, we want to share a quick reminder of the upcoming holiday closures and our procedures for weather and unplanned service delays. 

Upcoming AEA Van Delivery Holiday Closures 

The AEAs have contracted holidays when van delivery service will be closed. 

Please note the following dates: 

• Nov. 27 & Nov. 28, 2025: Thanksgiving 
• Dec. 23, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026: Christmas & New Year’s Holidays (eight days) except the Des Moines Public Schools route, which will run on Dec. 23

Procedures for Unplanned Delays & Cancellations 

The safety of our drivers is our top priority. In the event of an unplanned disruption, such as severe weather, closures or unforeseen issues, van routes may be temporarily delayed or canceled. Please understand that the availability of rescheduled deliveries will depend on our capacity and driver staffing.

Discover Heartland AEA’s Extensive Catalog of Classroom-Ready Materials

Did you know our Creative Services Department has a catalog of hundreds of ready-to-print items for your building and classrooms? 

Use the search bar at the top of Creative Service Online to browse by subject or keyword or click Browse Products to look through our full catalog of instructional materials. 

Not finding what you’re looking for? Reach out to creativeservices@heartlandaea.org with any questions or to discuss a custom project!

UNI Offering "Empower Educators" Scholarships for Practicing Teachers

What: Empower Educators Scholarship for spring 2026 -- funding that bridges the gap between undergraduate and graduate tuition, saving $220 per credit hour 

For: Practicing teachers seeking these graduate-level endorsements and certificates: 

• Special education endorsements (Strat I, Strat II – ID and BD/LD) 
• Reading endorsement 
• Early childhood education endorsement 
• NEW! PK-K Early childhood special education endorsement & Graduate Certificate
• Artificial intelligence in education (grad certificate) 
• Transformative education (grad certificate) 

Whether looking to add an endorsement or begin work on a stackable master’s degree, this is a cost-effective path for professional advancement. Interested? Just complete this short application to confirm eligibility. 

Feel free to share with others in your network! Questions? Reach out to Cheryl Meller, graduate recruitment coordinator, at (319) 273-6255.

Advance Your Paraeducator Certification in Early Childhood

Take the next step in your paraeducator career! 

This course fulfills the requirement for the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II – Area of Concentration: Early Childhood. Learn strategies to support the social, emotional and behavioral development of young learners, ages 3–5. 

📍 Zoom & Online Coursework 
🗓️ Feb. 9, 23; March 9, 23; April 6 & 20 (5–7 p.m.)
 📅 Register by Feb. 2, 2026 
🔗 Registration