Keystone AEA serves students from birth to the age of 21. The eligibility requirements for children to receive services differ depending on the child’s age. In all cases, however, services are provided at no cost and are based on eligibility and need. If you believe that a child or student may need AEA services, we are here to assist you!
Child Find
Child Find refers to the Area Education Agencies’ (AEAs) responsibility to ensure that students who are eligible for special education services are identified, located, evaluated and provided with needed services. AEA staff members follow statewide procedures for Child Find. These procedures are documented in the statewide special education procedures which are part of the Iowa IDEA Information website.
Children Birth – 3 Years
If your child is between the ages of birth to 3 years and has a condition that may cause later delays in development or if they are showing delays in their ability to play, think, talk or move, your child may be eligible for Early ACCESS services.
You can make a referral or request an evaluation by completing the referral form or by calling 800-632-5918. You may also contact the Iowa Family Support Network.
Children Ages 3-5 Years
How Do I Make a Referral for AEA Services?
- Parents: If you are concerned about your child’s learning and/or development, please call 800-632-5918 or complete the referral form below.
- Teachers in a school-based preschool: Referrals may be made by contacting your Team Rep or other appropriate staff (i.e. SLP for speech/language concerns). Provide your contact person with the date you discussed the referral with the child’s parent.
- Medical providers and outside agencies/center-based providers: If you believe the child may have a disability that affects their development, we encourage you to discuss this with the child’s parent or guardian first. We can accept a referral from a medical or outside provider, but it must include a signed release of information and a clearly stated reason for the referral. Once we receive the referral, our team will review the information to determine one of two outcomes:
- If we have enough information to suspect a disability, we will contact the parent by phone to begin the evaluation process.
- If we don’t have sufficient information, we will send a letter to the family with our contact information in case they have additional concerns.
Referrals may be made by calling Keystone AEA at 800-632-5918 or by completing the Early Childhood Ages 3-5 Referral Form.
Age 5 to Age 21
- The Child Find process is different for students who are of school age.
- Contact your local school administrator to discuss the concerns you have regarding your child.