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    New Digital Resources Added!

    Iowa's AEAs are proud to announce the lineup of digital instructional resources for the 2022-23 school year, including six new offerings! Students, educators and parents have 24/7/365 access to these ebooks, streaming videos, encyclopedias, reference materials, and more!

    News

    All News

    • Regional Special Education Resource Fair planned for Nov. 3

    • Update to ELPA21 evidence-based workshop dates

    • Calling all Teacher Librarians – Oct. 25 networking/learning just for you!

    How we help educators, students & families

    • 1

      Keep students on track

      Focused on educational equity for all Iowa children with emphasis on those with diverse learning needs

    • 2

      Our supportive staff

      Committed to being caring partners that deliver accountable services

    • 3

      Enhance the classroom

      Professional tools and learning experiences to support the implementation of evidence-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment

    • 4

      Bursting with bright ideas

      From printing instructional materials for the classroom to designing and producing sophisticated visuals to help brand your school district

    • 5

      Partner with community organizations

      Work alongside health care and non-profit groups so that children who are experiencing delays can be evaluated by therapists and other specialists

    Learn More

    get connected

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    🌟 Our last Special Education Staff Spotlight!

    Meet Kathy Broek, a Special Education Consultant who has been an integral part of PLAEA since 2004—dedicating an impressive 19 years to shaping the educational landscape for special needs students and their families.

    Kathy brings a wealth of experience from a 35-year career as a special education teacher. The journey began in Okoboji, where she collab     ... See MoreSee Less

    🌟 Our last Special Education Staff Spotlight! Meet Kathy Broek, a Special Education Consultant who has been an integral part of PLAEA since 2004—dedicating an impressive 19 years to shaping the educational landscape for special needs students and their families. Kathy brings a wealth of experience from a 35-year career as a special education teacher. The journey began in Okoboji, where she collaborated with two outstanding AEA staff members. These mentors not only provided the necessary support for her to excel in her role but also inspired Kathy to seek further opportunities within the AEA. In her current role at the AEA, Kathy enjoys the nature of her work. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, train, support, and collaborate with staff members. The AEAs commitment to training is a cornerstone of her success, and she appreciates the collaborative approach within every district in Iowa. This team-oriented strategy ensures that every school can offer the best possible experience for students and families. Kathy shares, There isnt a better feeling than when you help a student and teacher be more successful during their school day! Her favorite days involve assessing and working directly with students, followed by collaborative sessions with teachers to develop effective plans. Her joy is apparent when invited to help problem-solve, ensuring the right strategies are in place for student success. Thank you, Kathy, for making a difference in the lives of those you touch! 🎉

    What We Are Proud Of

    235 team members

    Committed to being caring partners who deliver accountable services

    38 & 11

    Public school districts & accredited, nonpublic schools

    31,687

    Total enrollment in our K-12 schools

    4,393

    Number of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) both weighted and non-weighted. We are also serving over 170 families to assist children from birth to age 3.

    “I have found Prairie Lakes AEA to be very responsive to my needs in all areas. This would include professional development, special education consultation, production services, etc.”  

    DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR