Empowering every ability 🙌 At Shell Rock Elementary, first-grader McKenna is learning, growing and thriving – thanks to a strong team that believes in her every step of the way. 👏

From Early ACCESS services through Central Rivers AEA to daily support at school, McKenna’s journey ...shows what’s possible when families, educators and specialists work together.

“I love sharing how far this girl has come, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of all her amazing supporters and cheerleaders!” said Kassy H., McKenna’s mom.

“Helping McKenna takes creativity and planning,” says CRAEA Occupational Therapist Jennifer Buseman. “Having everyone at the table makes it possible.”

McKenna’s story is a reminder of the power of teamwork, inclusion and never giving up. 🌟

Check out the full story on our website > Impacting Lives > Assistive Technology Success Stories.

#CRAEA #iaedchat #EveryLearner #TeamworkMatters

🌟Sneak peek alert! This spring, we launched a brand-new service to support special education teams: 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. The program review looks at seven key areas – from student outcomes and ...access to staff training and family engagement – all with the goal of helping districts make informed decisions and provide meaningful support to every learner. 👏

We kicked things off in Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools this spring, working with district stakeholders to collect, review and analyze information to inform next steps with special education programming. Through classroom observations, staff feedback, stakeholder conversations and a deep dive into data, we’ll explore what’s working well and where additional support may be needed.

Stay tuned on how the 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 can support your district starting next school year! 🙌

For more information about this new service, please visit our website or reach out to your Regional Administrator.

#CRAEA #iaedchat #studentsuccess #collaboration

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 – 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬! 🎉

...Please join us in congratulating 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 and 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 on their new roles as Regional Administrators for the South and Northwest Sectors at Central Rivers AEA!

Hannah brings over a decade of experience in special education and leadership, with a passion for supporting students, strengthening systems and collaborating with districts. We’re excited to have her continue her journey with CRAEA and bring her expertise to our leadership team!

Ryan brings years of leadership experience from Waterloo Schools, including his most recent role as Principal at Lincoln Elementary. He’s known for his collaborative leadership, strategic thinking and deep commitment to student success.

We’re thrilled to have them join the #CRAEA leadership team! 👏

✨Joy through play! ✨

A student at Lou Henry Elementary is learning and exploring in a whole new way – thanks to a custom, accessible play gym made possible by an amazing team effort! 👏

Central Rivers AEA, Waterloo CSD and the Waterloo Career Center teamed up to bring this... idea to life, creating a sensory-rich space designed just for the student’s needs. The best part? It sparked so much joy, three more gyms were built for other schools, too!

This is what happens when educators, therapists, and community partners come together – big impact, starting with play. 🙌

Check out the full story on our website > Impacting Lives > Assistive Technology Success Stories.

#CRAEA #iaedchat #EveryDayAtAEA #accessibleplay

We value our partnerships with school districts and local businesses and love working together to support student success! 👏🙌

#EveryDayAtAEA #CRAEA #iaedchat #collaboration

We are proud to partner with @stctrojans Partnership Center for their 2nd Annual Job Fair! 🎉

Students explored local career opportunities in the Tama/Toledo and Marshalltown areas as part of their Career Exploration Program through Central Rivers AEA. 🙌👏

#CRAEA #iaedchat ...#EveryDayAtAEA #careerexploration