The Channel

The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members blog site header

Author: cvanbuskirk

  • 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    • Delete any outdated files you no longer need.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.

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools at Central Rivers AEA

    As Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools continue to evolve and become part of our daily work, Central Rivers AEA has set clear guidelines to help staff use these tools safely, ethically and effectively. AI can support our work and help us better serve schools, but it also brings important responsibilities. Please review the full Central Rivers AEA Guidelines for the Use of AI & Emerging Technologies, and keep these key points in mind:

    • Keep Information Safe: Never enter personal details or confidential student data into AI tools. Always check the tool’s security before using it.
    • Be Transparent: If you’re using AI in a project or meeting (like an AI assistant in Zoom), let others know.
    • Use Responsibly: Make sure AI is used in ways that reflect our values – avoiding bias, protecting privacy and supporting our mission. If you’re unsure, the tech team is here to help.

    Let’s continue to explore AI in smart and responsible ways to better support each other and the schools we serve.

  • Iowa’s AEAs van service now supporting Iowa libraries

    AEA media van

    Iowa’s AEAs are pleased to begin a new partnership with the State Library of Iowa to deliver materials through the IA Shares delivery service. This collaboration will leverage AEAs’ existing infrastructure to enhance service and efficiency for Iowa’s public libraries.

    IA Shares is a statewide delivery service program that provides once-a-week delivery of library materials for all public libraries and the State Library. The cost of IA Shares is paid for with a portion of the federal funding the State Library receives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

    Beginning Aug. 4, 2025, the IA Shares delivery service will be fulfilled by the Iowa Area Education Agencies (AEAs) van delivery system.

    “The AEA’s established network serves every corner of Iowa through the school system and is a natural and efficient partner for IA Shares,” said Brenda Hall, interim director of the State Library. “Our new partnership keeps money in Iowa, reduces costs for the State Library and maximizes the return on public investment. With nine hubs across the state and high-capacity cargo vans, I’m confident the AEAs are well-equipped to meet the demands of IA Shares delivery.”

    With a system of hubs and routes, IA Shares facilitates quick and efficient delivery of library materials. Any library material that can fit in a tote or bag and is under 50 pounds can be sent to another Iowa public library via IA Shares. With 543 public libraries across the state, the AEAs will now ensure timely and reliable delivery to each of them.

    “We’re proud to expand our van delivery service to support Iowa’s public libraries,” said Cindy Yelick, Chief Administrator of Heartland AEA, representing Iowa’s AEAs. “As state-funded agencies, we’re always looking for ways to maximize our impact, enhance efficiencies and strengthen partnerships across the state. Supporting library delivery aligns with our mission of supporting education, access to information and learning for all Iowans.”

  • Details for the 2025 All Staff Kickoff Meeting are now available

    2025 CRAEA All Staff Meeting - Leading with Heart

    The 2025 All Staff Kickoff Meeting will be held at the Cedar Falls office beginning at 9:00 am on Monday, August 18! This year’s theme is, Leading with Heart. While the past legislative session has been one of the most challenging times we’ve faced professionally, we will start off our new school year, reconnecting with colleagues and strengthening our resolve to lead with heart in our work this upcoming year!

    Schedule for the day

    • 7:30-9:00 am – Sidecar coffee truck outside in the main parking lot | Social time
    • 9:00-11:30 am – All Staff Meeting, Keynote Speaker and Service Award Recognition
    • 11:30 am-3:30 pm – Team Meetings

    Lunch

    Lunch will be staggered by team, with some groups starting earlier and others after 12:30 pm. Everyone will have a full hour for lunch, and your team’s lunch time will be shared during the meeting. Doña Mari’s Tacos Food Truck will be parked at the south entrance in the main parking lot as one option, offering meat, veggie and gluten-friendly options for purchase. Staff are also free to leave campus and have lunch elsewhere if desired. Thanks for being flexible!

    Other details

    Additional team-specific logistics will be provided the day of the meeting, including a quick links document that will feature important resources and links updated daily. If you have questions, please reach out to your supervisor. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 18 and kicking off another great year at Central Rivers AEA!

    Food truck menus

    Both food trucks accept cash, debit or credit card.

    Dona Mari's Tacos (food menu)
    Sidecar Coffee menu

  • Reminder about required training for all staff

    As we enter the month of August, we wanted to send a reminder that all staff must complete the mandatory AEA-required trainings. Certified staff are allowed to use one of your 2025-2026 contract days to complete the trainings. Simply indicate on your Google calendar, “AEA Mandatory Training Day.”

    If you have any questions, contact Karl Kurt, Assistant Chief Administrator/Director of HR.