Northwest AEA Preschool Newsletter

December 2021

Your communication hub!

As November comes to a close, we continue to remind ourselves of all we are thankful for. We are sooo glad you are in the field of early childhood and do your BEST to provide your students and their families opportunities for learning and joy. Our December wish for you is that YOU find joy this month. We have a few tidbits and ideas embedded in the newsletter this month to help you do so. EnJOY! ~Joyce, Brenda & Shelley


You can find this and previous newsletters on the Northwest AEA site under Early Childhood (Ages 3-5).

"I Wear Darth Vader Underpants Everyday!"

"I thought of the fully engaged boy from a couple years ago. "Good" and "better" and "smartest" and "bored" were not words anyone could ever attach to his learning. It wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last, that I've seen how this system we call school had taught yet another of my young friends to focus on competing, ranking, rating, and jumping through hoops rather than simply engaging the world through their own curiosity. "


If you've ever held similar thoughts, you might be interested in reading the full article, linked here.

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Training (Adult & Pediatric) available on AEA Learning Online

You asked, so we asked, and now it is a thing! Click here for information and click on the image above for the link to register.

The Power of GOLD

If you've taken Tier 1, then you meet the prerequisite for participating in Tiers 2 & 3 which begins on January 3rd. What a great opportunity to learn more about the Power of GOLD! Click on the image below to register.

The Science of Reading

Two sections are available with limited (virtual) seating. Click on the link below for more information. This is a great opportunity for you offered by our Northwest AEA literacy coaches!

Observation & Assessment of Young Children

This is a hybrid course offered for teachers and para educators who teach young children. Click on the image below for more information. Although designed for teachers, it is one of the three courses meeting requirements for the early childhood area of concentration for para educators.

Substitute Authorization Classes

New sessions scheduled for Jan. 25, 26, 27, Feb. 1, & 2, 2022. Offered via Zoom from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Click on image below for fees & flyer information.

Centering on Centers

Registration ends Jan. 21, 2022. Registration is limited to 320 per day. Click below for details.
Northwest AEA Early Childhood PD Plan

Here you have access to professional development designed specifically for early childhood staff for the 2021-22 school year.

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Check out AEA Learning Online

Drake University offers online courses

Northwestern College now offers online BA Early Childhood licensure

Oh look! It's a smore within a smore!!

Here's a link to a sampling of the newest book arrivals at Northwest AEA. (There's even a video from an author reading one of her latest books!)
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

IQRS changing to IQ4K

Some of you participate in the Iowa Quality Rating system. Changes are on the way, if you want to know more, click on the image below.
GOLD Website Elevation Support

Click HERE for support from TS GOLD. Once the Fall Checkpoint is complete, the GOLD Website Elevation will occur for all Iowa users.

My Teaching Strategies

Check your messages in MyTeachingStrategies for the latest news. They consistently are reviewing your requests and updating the platform. Check the "What's New in MyTeachingStrategies" on a frequent basis.

Do you like Dragons? or Tacos? If so, then you'll enjoy this Literacy Tip of the month-

Print knowledge is a key early literacy skill. Click on this link or scan the QR code below for the Book Nook tip from the Hanen Centre.
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ECSE Supports

Early Childhood Special Education staff: Click here to access Iowa's IDEA website. You will find information and resources pertinent to all who work with and/or live with a child having a disability.


The Iowa Department of Education has a page on their website with information helpful to teachers and staff who work with children in early childhood special education. Click here to access the page.


Northwest AEA also has a website page designed to assist you as you support students with special education needs. Here is a link to that page.

Autism Help Desk

On the 2nd Wednesday of every month, The Northwest AEA autism team is offering an Autism Help Desk two different times of the day, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Help Desk is to support the implementation of evidence-based practices in the structures and strategies for students with characteristics of autism. If interested, please contact Beth Tisher at btisher@nwaea.org or 712.222.6382. The next Autism Help Desk is scheduled for December 8th.

Division for Early Childhood

"The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families." ​


One of the resources shared on the site is PEAT's Suite. PEAT’s Suite makes the process of identifying physical environment features and assistive tool solutions explicit and easy to undertake. PEAT describes what to do in a practical way that service providers and families can implement successfully. Check it out!

Northwest AEA Early Childhood Consultants

Northwest AEA Early Childhood Consultants

Northwest AEA Early Childhood Consultants
We hope to be your first contact for timely and ongoing early childhood support. We want to assist you in improving the performance outcomes and well-being of your young learners.


Joyce, Brenda & Shelley

1520 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, IA, USA bjenkins@nwaea.org 712.222.6122 nwaea.org/