Where to start
Grant Wood AEA supports educators, parents, and the communities we serve as we work together toward one ultimate goal—to improve student learning.
Our special education experts can help parents through the potentially overwhelming processes and systems related to their student’s learning. Parents and educators who have concerns about a child's development should contact Grant Wood AEA. Our staff will be in touch to make connections for an evaluation or referral.
A Quick Overview of Special Education Programs Supported by Grant Wood AEA
Birth- age 3: Early ACCESS
Infants and toddlers under the age of 3 are eligible to receive Early ACCESS early intervention services. Early ACCESS is a partnership between families with young children (birth to age 3) and providers from the Iowa Departments of Education, Public Health and Human Services, Child Health Specialty Clinics and Iowa's AEAs. Families and Early ACCESS staff work together to identify, coordinate and provide needed services and resources that help families assist their infants and toddlers who have either a developmental delay, or have a condition that has a high probability of later delays if early intervention services are not provided.
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Do you want your child evaluated for potential delays? Contact us with this form:
Age 3- 5 Early Childhood Services
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, is not yet enrolled in school, and you have concerns about their development, you may contact Grant Wood AEA for more information about Early Childhood Services.
Grant Wood AEA offers evaluations to determine whether a child may be eligible for Early Childhood Special Education services. If eligible, children may receive individualized support to address areas such as communication, motor skills, social-emotional development, behavior, or early learning. Services may be provided in settings such as preschool, child care, or Head Start programs, in partnership with families and early childhood providers.
Age 5-21
Schools and the AEA use a process called Child Find to help identify and evaluate students who are eligible for special education services. A parent may request an evaluation by contacting an administrator at the student's school.