At Central Rivers AEA, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational services to students in need, and our special programs stand at the forefront of our commitment. We proudly support students residing in youth shelter care and juvenile detention, aged 10 to 18, with access to high-quality education.
Our educational programming goes beyond the traditional classroom experience, as we understand that these remarkable children are navigating a challenging phase in their lives. These students have found themselves in residential care due to various circumstances and are in need of specialized support and guidance. Some students may be struggling with behavioral issues, emotional challenges, or a history of trauma. Others may have experienced instability in their family lives or lacked access to proper educational opportunities. These are the stories that inspire us to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
With a dedicated team of compassionate educators and support staff, we tailor our educational services to meet the unique needs of each student. We offer a personalized curriculum that combines academic excellence with authentic and work-based learning experiences. Our goal is not only to bridge educational gaps but also to empower these resilient young individuals to regain their self-confidence, grow their self-awareness, and envision a brighter future.
Empowered
What is “Empowered?”
Empowered is a student-driven, authentic, work-based learning project that provides our students with opportunities to grow their employability skills and Universal Constructs, (critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, productivity and accountability skills) while in attendance at one of our special programs including youth shelter classrooms (Woodhaven & Brookhaven), detention center classrooms (North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services & Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center) and River Hills School.
This Central Rivers AEA initiative provides students with authentic learning experiences through community partnerships. Check out two of our recent projects!
Community Partnership with Aloha Pet Resort and Spa
Students in our program bake, package, and deliver dog treats to the Cedar Falls-based business for sale at their storefront.
It brings joy to my heart to watch the Empowered students succeed and grow as young entrepreneurs. They have helped us fulfill a need by making specialty dog treats for my business.
-Heather Robson, Owner of Aloha Pet Resort and Spa
Custom Apparel
Our students create, design, press, and deliver custom apparel based on client input.
The Empowered team did an amazing job of designing and printing t-shirts for our team. Knowing that we were supporting students in an authentic learning experience was gratifying! They were easy to work with and responsive when we wanted changes made to our design. We would highly recommend Empowered and will use them again!
-Rusti Sparks, CRAEA Special Education Consultant
We ordered custom-designed bags from the team. The product selection is huge. The kids really took this project to heart, by organizing, designing, and executing great customer service. It’s a win-win, knowing our kids have an opportunity to create, learn and perform business operations and we receive great custom products. I’m eager to see what they create next.
-Robin Billerbeck, CRAEA Human Resources Specialist
Our main project goals are to bring authentic, work-based learning experiences to our students in the classroom setting while elevating and showcasing our contributions within our communities!
Our Sites
Brookhaven Youth Shelter Classrooms
Location
YSS of the North Iowa Campus
50 N. Eisenhower Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
Contact
Sarah Nelson, Director of IT and Special Programs
Email: snelson@centralriversaea.org
PH: 319-273-8296
Woodhaven Youth Shelter Classrooms
Location
LSI Bremwood Campus
106 16th Street SW
Waverly, IA 50677
Contact
Sarah Nelson, Director of IT and Special Programs
Email: snelson@centralriversaea.org
PH: 319-273-8296
North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services (NIJDS) Classrooms
Location
1440 West Dunkerton Rd
Waterloo, IA 50703
Contact
Rod Ball, Director of Special Programs
Email: rball@centralriversaea.org
PH: (319)-273-8285
Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center (CIJDC) Classrooms
Location
2317 Rick Collins Way
Eldora, IA 50627
Contact
Rod Ball, Director of Special Programs
Email: rball@centralriversaea.org
PH: (319)-273-8285
River Hills School
River Hills School is a publicly sponsored special school for students with moderate, severe, and profound developmental disabilities. The school serves students from kindergarten through age 21.
The unique setting is staffed by professionals with expertise in working with students with developmental disabilities. This expertise allows us to focus on the use of current and innovative instructional strategies while incorporating the latest technology into instruction.
Approximately 85 students from local school districts within Central Rivers AEA attend River Hills School. There are 20 classrooms, each staffed by a licensed special education teacher and a paraprofessional. Typical class sizes range from three to six students.