The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members Our Mission: To Deliver High-quality, evidence-based, and strategic services to our education partners that meet the diverse needs of iowa's learners (birth-21_), educators, and school Communities.

Author: cvanbuskirk

  • Cell phone reimbursement for 2025-26

    Pending October Board approval, all certified staff will receive $120 cell phone reimbursement for the 2025-26 school year. This payment will be made the first payroll after final Board approval.

    For CWA/Nuss staff, the request form will be emailed to you after final Board approval of the Cell Phone Reimbursement policy. The completed request form will require a quick turn-a-round. This payment will be made the first payroll after final Board approval. Reach out to the HR/Business Office with questions.

  • Sign up today for agency alerts

    Please be sure that you are signed* up to receive Central Rivers AEA Alerts via text, call or email. Alerts are used to announce agency-related emergency updates, building closings or professional learning cancellations.

    *If you are already signed up, you do not have to do anything.

    Sign up today at https://myalerts.centralriversaea.org/. If you have questions, please reach out to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services.

  • INspired Leadership support will continue!

    Central Rivers AEA wellbeing team logo

    All Central Rivers AEA staff are invited to take advantage of the well-being options that the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors voted to support again this year:

    • Meet one-on-one with Certified Professional Coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, over Zoom.
      • Sessions can be scheduled online with at least two days’ notice, up to 60 days in advance and are available between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm (save your spot online).
    • INspired Leadership two-day workshops will be offered (dates to be announced).

    All options are offered to enhance your well-being, life satisfaction and assist you in meeting your personal and professional goals. Reach out to inspired@centralriversaea.org with any questions!

  • Professional Development updates

    The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has updated requirements for renewing licenses. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Verification needed: A Master’s degree (or higher), at least 10 years of PK–12 licensed experience and current Mandatory Reporter training for child abuse.
    • Substitute Experience: May count toward years of experience if you can verify at least 91 days of substitute work per year.

    Application Process:

    • Renewal is completed online only.
    • You’ll need to upload verification of your degree, years of experience and mandatory reporter trainings.
    • Administrators must also provide evaluator training (completed within the past 10 years). This requirement has been in effect since July 1, 2023.
    • No Mail Applications: All renewals must go through the online system.
    Educator Licensure

    Detailed instructions for submitting applications can be found online for review.

  • New opportunity: Special Education Consultant Endorsement

    UIU AEA Special Education Consultant Endorsement

    Iowa’s AEAs have teamed up with Upper Iowa University to offer a fully online Special Education Consultant Endorsement program. The program can be completed in just nine months and is tailored to the work of AEA consultants. Important items to note:

    • Cost for AEA staff: $250 per credit hour
    • Format: Three bundled courses, meeting once a week for eight weeks.
    • Schedule:
      • Consulting: Oct. 27–Dec. 18, 2025
      • Assessment: Jan. 12–Mar. 5, 2026
      • Curriculum Design: May 18–July 9, 2026
    • Register online.

    For questions, contact Michael Hagensick at hagensickm43@uiu.edu.

  • Updates with Special Education

    Save the date: Third annual Early ACCESS Day: October 9

    Mark your calendars! On Thursday, October 9, we’ll celebrate the third annual Early ACCESS Day – a day to connect with community partners, share resources and spread awareness about how Early ACCESS supports families with young children. This year’s focus is on partnering to tell our story by strengthening connections with medical providers, childcare programs, public health and other community organizations across our 18 counties.

    What is Early ACCESS?

    Early ACCESS is Iowa’s early intervention (IDEA Part C) program for children birth to age 3. We partner with families to provide no-cost developmental evaluations and coaching in everyday routines so little ones can grow, learn, and participate.

    How can you help?

    Even if you’re not part of the Early ACCESS team, you can support the day by sharing about Early ACCESS with a colleague, family or community partner, highlighting available resources, or simply starting a conversation about why early support matters.

    Together, we can grow awareness, expand partnerships and ensure families know where to turn for help when it matters most.

    Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website. Be sure to review the updates with CRAEA Special Education doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel and important mid-month information).

  • Updates with Educational Services & Media

    Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website. Be sure to review the updates with CRAEA Ed Services & Media doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel and important mid-month information).

  • Clean up your Google Drive

    Computer work (cleaning)

    To help protect student privacy, we’re asking all staff to review their Google Drive. Please check your files and remove or update any that are shared as “Visible to anyone in Central Rivers AEA” or “Anyone with the link.” All Central Rivers AEA staff:

    • Update the sharing settings to “Restricted” or share only with specific people.
    • Delete any outdated files you no longer need.

    This small step helps keep student information safe. More detailed instructions can be followed online. Please contact the CRAEA Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231 if you have questions or need assistance.