Category: Uncategorized

In 2019, HF 731 modified the requirements for mandatory reporter training for child and dependent adult abuse. The Iowa Department of Human Services is now providing the training online for free. The AEA is providing the same training online for a fee. If it is time to update your training, be sure to complete both child and dependent adult abuse training. Mandatory reporter training completed prior to July 1, 2019, will still be valid for five years from the date of completion. Trainings after July 1, 2019 are valid for three years.

You may submit reimbursement for postage expenses during the office closure through My Toolbox > Expense Reimbursements on the portal.  Please do not use the mileage/travel reimbursement spreadsheet, simply enter a separate request using the Postage Reimbursement expense type and attach all receipts documenting the requested amount.  Submit one request per month and summarize the total amount on one line. 

Although we will not be meeting as a large group on August 18, the agency plans to hold virtual meetings that day by region and department.

Each Regional Administrator or Director will be responsible for setting the schedule and agenda for the day and will be in touch soon with details. Essentially, each meeting will begin with some agency-wide updates with additional time being spent discussing regional protocols for returning to work safely (for those employees coming back on contract) as well as district “Return to Learn” plans. Time will also be devoted to discipline-level conversation.

Please put August 18 on your calendar with a plan to say “welcome back” to your colleagues virtually! We look forward to connecting with you.

Although the agency has a plan for phasing staff back to work (see “Returning” to Work – A message from the Chief) the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors passed a Pandemic Pay Resolution during this week’s board meeting to acknowledge that some staff members on contract through the summer months may not be working a 40-hour work week due to uncontrollable circumstances related to the demand for service. We continue to extend our gratitude for the support and wisdom of the board in caring about our staff during these challenging times. 

Please be sure you are in touch with your supervisor related to the work expectations and timelines during this time.

Please join us in welcoming Angie Sorenson to the Business Department as Accounts Payable Specialist, Angie is replacing Cindy Fry who is retiring at the end of June. Please direct all questions related to mileage, travel reimbursement, vendor invoices, and other bills to Angie for assistance.

Summer hours were set to begin on June 8 and end on August 10.  Due to the office closure to the public through July 31, office hours will not change for the summer months.

Due to the risks associated with Covid-19, all professional learning scheduled for June, July and August will remain virtual with no face-to-face option. A decision about September professional learning will be made at a later date when we have more information. Please reach out to the Professional Learning department if you’d like additional support in leading or participating in a virtual setting.