Iowa Early Learning Standards Revision & Review Teams

The Iowa Department of Education Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) Revision Team (first team) is charged with revising the current Iowa Early Learning Standards standards and making proposed draft recommendations to the Department. This team serves in an advisory capacity to the Department.

State standards across all subject areas are reviewed regularly to ensure the content is current and aligns with best practices. 

Iowa’s academic 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. 

Following this work, the Department will seek public input on the proposed changes. A Standards Review Team (second team) will then be assembled to examine stakeholder feedback and recommend proposed changes to be included in a final draft for consideration. The final standards proposal will go before the State Board of Education for consideration. For additional information see the About Student Standards webpage.

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Revision Team Meeting Dates & Agendas

Oct.9, 2025

Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) Revision Team #1: Meeting One Agenda

Oct. 23, 2025

Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) Revision Team #1: Meeting Two Agenda

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

Jan. 8, 2025

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Revision Team Membership

Co-Facilitators

  • Celeste Mortvedt, Iowa Department of Education, Administrative Consultant for IDEA Part C
  • Marianne Adams, Iowa Department of Education, Early Childhood Consultant, Shared Visions
  • Monica Shuey, Iowa Department of Education, Education Program Consultant, Head Start and Shared Visions

Members

The Iowa Early Learning Standards Revision Team (first team) includes representation from various stakeholder groups across the state, including but not limited to higher education, content specialists, administrators, teacher leaders, early childhood teachers, families, industry and community members.

  • Dana Belzer, PK Director, Ottumwa
  • Tammy Bormann, Business, Urbandale
  • Beth Brewer, Administrator, Adel
  • Ami Chounlamany, Early Intervention, Ottumwa
  • Karrie, Dunkel, PK Teacher, Manchester
  • Tammy Engebretson, IA AEYC, West Des Moines
  • Monica Frey, Administrator, Cedar Rapids
  • Tracy Frush, Curriculum Specialist, Council Bluffs
  • Heather Fuger, Administrator, Donnellson
  • Shelby Hageman, CCR&R, Fort Atkinson
  • Maggie Harbaugh, Administrator, Cedar Rapids
  • Johanna Hicks, PK Instructional Coach, Ames
  • Eric Jennings, Higher Ed, Bettendorf
  • Emily Johnson, Parent, Fort Dodge
  • Laura McCalester, ECSE Teacher, Williamsburg
  • Loree Phelps, CCR&R, Oakland
  • Sheri Penney, HHS, Osage
  • Kelly Polich, Retired Early Intervention, Madrid
  • Sharon Pratt, Head Start, Council Bluffs
  • Amber Springsteen, PK Teacher, West Burlington
  • Kristin Rourk, Administration, Des moines
  • Jackie White, Early Childhood Coordinator, Pleasant Hill
  • Amanda Winslow, HHS, Des Moines
  • Anita Yessak, PK Teacher, Oelwein
  • Kristi Duhn, Dept. of Education, Kelley
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