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Special education is a broad term that describes the education of students who have intellectual, physical, behavioral, or emotional disabilities. Special education involves specially designed instruction tailored to the unique needs of each child and is provided at no cost to parents. The federal law Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.
Infants and toddlers (ages birth to 2 years old) with disabilities and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3 to 21 years old) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
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Back to topSpecial Education Regional Continuous Improvement Team
The Special Education Regional Continuous Improvement team works with special education partners across Iowa, including Area Education Agencies (AEA), local education agencies and early intervention services programs, to meet requirements under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and support continuous improvement to special education services and supports through the implementation of evidence-based best practices.
AEA Assignments
The following tables show the team member's regional assignments for schools and districts within an AEAs.
| AEA Assignment | Name & Phone |
|---|---|
Central Rivers AEA | Amy Thoms-Starr 515-205-2627 |
Grant Wood AEA | Lisa Glenn 515-205-2142 |
Great Prairie AEA | Angelisa Fynaardt 515-777-6108 |
Green Hills AEA | Ivan Gentry 515-971-7034 |
Heartland AEA | Matt Cretsinger 515-975-1438 |
Keystone AEA | Amy Thoms-Starr 515-205-2627 |
Mississippi Bend AEA | Janel Lesan 515-577-3089 |
Northwest AEA | Seth Piro 515-205-0579 |
Prairie Lakes AEA | Molly Elston 515-205-9081 |