Iowa Establishes New Center of Excellence to Enhance Early Intervention for Children
Iowa has embarked on a significant initiative aimed at enhancing early childhood development through the establishment of a new Center of Excellence for Early ACCESS. This center is part of a statewide commitment to ensure that all children, regardless of their geographic location, have access to high-quality early intervention services tailored to foster their growth and development.
The Center of Excellence will primarily focus on improving services for infants and toddlers who experience developmental delays or disabilities. These services are integral to Iowa’s Early ACCESS program, which provides support to families with children from birth to age three. Through this program, professionals, including speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, engage with families in their homes and child care centers, assisting them in helping their children achieve critical developmental milestones.
A key objective of the Center of Excellence is to ensure that early intervention services across Iowa maintain a consistent standard of quality. It will facilitate the training and guidance of early childhood specialists and other professionals, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to better support families. By fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous learning, the Center seeks to empower parents and caregivers, providing them with the confidence and tools needed to enhance their children’s learning experiences on a daily basis.
This initiative is the product of a partnership between Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA) and Keystone AEA, two organizations with a demonstrated history of commitment to Iowa’s youngest learners. By leveraging their combined expertise, these agencies aim to disseminate effective, research-based practices, ensuring that children with disabilities receive comprehensive and individualized support.
Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and Child Health Specialty Clinics, will further strengthen the mission of Early ACCESS. The overarching goal is to provide timely interventions that position children for success, enabling them to reach their fullest potential.
As the Center of Excellence begins its operations, Iowa anticipates the delivery of improved support and resources for families, thereby paving the way for brighter futures for its youngest residents. This robust initiative underscores Iowa’s dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for all children, reinforcing the premise that early intervention is crucial for lifelong success.
Annette Hyde, who serves as the Executive Director of Special Education at Central Rivers AEA, is also the Administrator of Special Education Services at Keystone AEA. With a commitment to improving educational outcomes, she can be contacted at ahyde@centralriversaea.org. Central Rivers AEA plays a vital role in supporting over 5,000 K-12 educators across 18 counties in north central Iowa, ultimately affecting the educational journeys of over 60,000 students.
