Area Education Agencies: Area Education Agencies (AEAs) provide services for children with disabilities from birth to 21 years of age. They provide those services through Early Access and through the school system. There are 9 Area Education Agencies, and families and providers can use this link to find the AEA for their home school district.

• Early Access: Early Access is a free service available to children under 36 months of age. Children are evaluated to determine if they are “eligible” for Early Access services. These can include speech therapy, developmental therapies, and occupational therapy.
  • There are a few ways a family can get referred for Early Access:
    • Ask your child’s doctor to refer you to Early Access services in your area.
    • Families can also refer themselves for Early Access Services. Families can use this link to refer themselves: Make A Referral - Iowa Family Support Network.
• Early Childhood: Also through the Area Education Agencies, Early Childhood support from a child’s 3-5th birthdays. If a child is found eligible, they can receive special education services, including school-based therapies.
• School-Age: If found eligible, school-aged children can receive special education services through their local school district. This can include academic supports, as well as speech-language, occupational, or physical therapies. Families can request an evaluation through their local school district or contact their local AEA.
• Families who Homeschool: If you decide to homeschool your child, your child still may be eligible for special education supports and services. Reach out to your local Area Education Agencies for more information.
• Learn more about special education processes and your rights at the Iowa Department of Education IDEA Resource Page. Your child does not need to have a formal disability diagnosis to receive services at school, and not all children with disabilities need special education. Parents have a right to request an evaluation for special education.