Iowa Special Needs Resources

Iowa provides a full range of special education services determined by individual student needs. These include specially designed instruction, related services like therapy and counseling, supplementary aids and services, and assistive technology.

Iowa uses Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to provide special education services in collaboration with local school districts. AEAs employ specialists like speech therapists, psychologists, and consultants who work with students across multiple districts. This ensures even small rural districts can access specialized services.

Services are provided in the Least Restrictive Environment appropriate for each student. Iowa students receive support in regular classrooms with accommodations, in resource rooms for targeted instruction, or in specialized programs for more intensive needs.

The special education process in Iowa starts with a referral for evaluation. Once you give written consent, the school has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation, though this timeline can be extended by agreement or due to circumstances beyond the district's control. The evaluation must be comprehensive and consider information from you as the parent, current classroom assessments, observations, and relevant information you've provided about your child.

If your child is found eligible for special education, an IEP team meeting is held to develop the individualized education program. Iowa requires the IEP to include present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, measurable annual goals, a description of how progress will be measured, and a statement of the special education and related services to be provided. The IEP must be reviewed at least annually, and your child must be reevaluated at least every three years, or sooner if you or the school request it.

Iowa has been focusing on improving inclusive practices and ensuring students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum with appropriate supports. The state uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that provides interventions at increasing levels of intensity based on student needs. Iowa also offers an Alternate Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in standard state assessments even with accommodations. If you have questions about what your child is entitled to, the ASK Resource Center can help you navigate Iowa's system and understand what's available.