The Iowa Department of Education, in conjunction with the AEAs, has general supervision responsibilities and is required to monitor schools and districts on their compliance with state and federal special education laws. Central Rivers AEA assists schools in complying with those laws and meeting the needs of students with disabilities or those on individual education plans (IEPs).

Alternate Assessment

The Iowa Alternate Assessment (IAA) is the State of Iowa’s assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Iowa uses the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment to measure student’s knowledge in the Iowa Core English Language Arts, Math, and Science Essential Elements.  For further information, please contact Rochelle Richards, Significant Disabilities Coordinator.

Chapter 103B

The State Board of Education recently amended Iowa’s administrative rules on corporal punishment, seclusion, and restraint.  The amendments made changes to the conditions of seclusion and restraint, added training and parent notice requirements, and banned certain high-risk practices.

Iowa Department of Education regarding timeout, seclusion, and restraint – Resources on this site include a link to the administrative rules on seclusion and restraint, a slideshow for training, and sample documents for annual notice and documentation. The site also provides resources for using timeout in an effective and ethical manner.

See the mandatory training website for meeting the requirements of Chapter 103b.

Child Find

Child Find is a required part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth to 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services.

Competent Private Instruction (CPI)

Commonly known as homeschooling, competent private instruction is provided to a child in Iowa in a setting other than a public school district or an accredited nonpublic school.  Parents or guardians considering homeschooling options should contact Amy Knupp, Executive Director of Special Education.

Compliance

The Iowa Department of Education, in conjunction with Iowa’s Area Education Agencies has general supervision responsibilities and is required to monitor Local Education Agencies/Districts in Iowa  (U.S.C. 300.600).

District-Developed Service Deliver Plan

The District-Developed Service Delivery Plan (DDSDP) is a system for delivery instructional services including a full continuum of services and placements to address the needs of eligible individuals ages 3-21.  All districts are required to develop a DDSDP for special education services, which then becomes a part of the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.  The Delivery System Plan is developed in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code Rule-41.408 (2) “c.”.  For more information, please contact your Central Rivers AEA Regional Administrator.

Family Support

Educators needing support and general information about working with students with disabilities and their families are encouraged to seek the assistance of the Family & Educator Partnership Program.

IEPs

An individualized education program (IEP) is a written document for a child with a disability that describes the child’s educational program. The IEP must be in effect prior to the child receiving special education services.

Independent Evaluations

Persons interested in more information about Independent Evaluations of children following a Central Rivers Full & Individual Evaluation may contact Amy Knupp, Executive Director of Special Education.

Interpreter & Translation Services

Educators needing information about Interpreters & Translation Services for special needs students may contact Amy Knupp, Executive Director of Special Education.

Legal Issues in Special Education

Persons needing guidance and interpretation of legal matters in special education may contact Amy Knupp, Executive Director of Special Education or Rod Ball, Director of Special Programs.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a process by which schools use data to identify the academic and behavioral supports each and every student needs to be successful in school and leave school ready for life. The process provides students with evidence-based instruction and interventions matched to their needs and monitors student progress to improve their educational outcomes.

Resolution Facilitation

Resolution Facilitation services are available to parents and school districts as a support to assist in resolving differences over educational services and/or issues between parents, educators, and other involved parties.  The resolution facilitator is an objective third-party that works to help both parties seek common ground solutions.  Resolution facilitators are AEA Special Education staff members trained in mediation and are available to parents and educators at no cost throughout the year.  They can be requested through an AEA Regional Administrator and/or a Family Educator Partnership staff member.

Section 504

Section 504 is a federal law which protects the rights of persons with qualifying disabilities.  It requires that recipients of federal funds make their programs and activities accessible to all persons with disabilities.  Section 504 has three areas of emphasis:  employment; facility and accessibility; and requirements for preschool, elementary, and secondary education programs/activities.

For more information please visit the Section 504 website.