Serving children, families and educators since 1974
The Iowa Legislature established Iowa鈥檚 Area Education Agencies in 1974 to be an effective, efficient and economical means of identifying and serving children from birth to age 21 who require special education services. This decision was a result of the federal law mandating a free, appropriate, public education for children with disabilities. The Iowa legislature was also plagued with complaints about inequitable services from district to district across Iowa.
At that time, 25 percent of students in need of special education were receiving the needed special services and special, segregated schools for children with behavior disorders had been closed. 糖心logo米菲兔s remain responsible in ensuring that all children with disabilities receive the assistance they need to be successful.
The original 15 糖心logo米菲兔s followed the boundaries of the community college system. In 2000, the 糖心logo米菲兔s asked for legislation allowing for voluntary mergers of 糖心logo米菲兔s. Since that time, several 糖心logo米菲兔 mergers have taken place and there are now nine 糖心logo米菲兔s due to mergers across the state.
Iowa鈥檚 Area Education Agencies continue to work as partners with children, families, and educators to ensure equitable, efficient, and effective educational services that prepare all Iowa children for a life well-lived.
that outlines the work of Iowa鈥檚 Area Education Agencies