The Iowa Department of Education’s official public comment period for the Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) is now open. Iowans are invited to review the proposed updates to the standards and provide feedback through March 25.
The Iowa Early Learning Standards were reviewed and revised by a team of early childhood educators, administrators, content specialists, family members, industry and community partners and representatives from higher education.
Iowans interested in providing input on the updated Iowa Early Learning Standards are encouraged to attend one of five upcoming public forums that will be held across the state. All forums will be held in-person as well as virtually via Zoom. To join online, individuals must have a Zoom account. The public forums are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
Zoom Link for all public forums.
- Thursday, March 5 at 4-6 p.m.
Storm Lake Community School District
High School Media Center (use South entrance)
621 Tornado Drive, Storm Lake - Monday, March 9 at 4-6 p.m.
Knoxville Community School District
West Elementary Library
306 South Park Lane Drive, Knoxville - Tuesday, March 10 at 4-6 p.m.
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes Building, Room B100
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines - Thursday, March 12 at 4-6 p.m.
Tri-County Head Start Learning and Community Center
840 West 4th Street, Waterloo - Monday, March 16 at 4-6 p.m.
Southwest Community College (SWCC)
Instructional Center, Room 180
1501 West Townline Street, Creston
Input on the Iowa Early Learning Standards revisions may also be submitted through the Department’s public survey through March 25. All feedback collected from the forums and survey responses will be considered for final recommendations on the Iowa Early Learning Standards updates.
State law requires an ongoing review of Iowa’s academic standards, including public comment, to ensure that current content aligns with best practices. The proposed Iowa Early Learning Standards and public comments will be reviewed by a second review committee before a final proposal for the Iowa Early Learning Standards 4th edition is presented to the State Board of Education for consideration.
About Iowa Early Learning Standards: Iowa’s early learning standards provide a set of common expectations for early childhood programs and school districts across the state while allowing for decisions regarding curriculum and how it is delivered to be made locally. The standards establish what students must learn to be prepared for success in early childhood and beyond.
For more information on the Iowa Early Learning Standards revision process, visit the Department’s Iowa Early Learning Standards review team webpage.