Monday, February 1, 2021

 Our Mission 

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities. 


Our Goals

  • Increase learning growth for students
  • Decrease the gap in achievement
  • Increase annual graduation rates
  • Increase gateways to post-secondary success

Heartland AEA COVID-19 Dashboard for the Week Ending Jan. 29, 2021

We will provide you with COVID-19 case and quarantine data each Monday in The Connection. The numbers will fluctuate on a weekly basis, and our report will show what is current as of the previous Friday. If you have any questions, contact Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources.    

Thank you for your continued cooperation and flexibility as we work together to support children, students, families, educators and each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.    

Affordable Care Act Form 1095-C Will Be Arriving in Your Mailbox

The Affordable Care Act requires Heartland AEA to provide Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, to all employees who were enrolled in our health insurance plan at any time in 2020. This form provides information about the coverage offered to you, your spouse and dependents, if applicable, and the months of coverage.   

Your 2020 Form 1095-C has been mailed to your home address. You can also view your Form 1095-C through the Employee Online section of your Employee Dashboard. Once in Employee Online, in the upper left-hand corner click Menu > Payroll Information > 1095-C Affordable Care Act (ACA) under Annual Tax Statements > 2020. This will open a PDF copy of your 1095-C.   

If you have any questions, contact Steve JordanSenior Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908.

Reminder: Take a Minute to Learn More About the Emergency Information Sheets

The Agency’s Emergency Response and Safety Committee has produced a short video that provides an overview of the Emergency Information Sheet that’s available in each regional office. 

The information sheet is designed to help you quickly find the information you need in an emergency situation.

February 2021 Quarterly Newsletter From the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Available


The quarterly newsletter from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners is available.

Leave Policy Change: Sick Leave Can Now Be Used for Preventive Exams & Vaccinations

As more vaccines become available to AEA staff, this has prompted the Agency to take a closer look at its sick leave policy. In the past, sick leave was not allowed to be used for preventive exams or appointments; instead, OPL was the preferred leave category to be used. Going forward, the Agency will allow staff to use sick leave for preventive exams and appointments, including receiving vaccinations. New sick leave guidelines are below: 

Sick Leave (self) is available for personal illness or injury or for a medical appointment related to a chronic or ongoing condition as well as leave related to routine, preventive care such as a physical, vaccination, dental appointment or eye exam. Sick Leave (self) cannot be used to care for sick family members. A report from the staff member's physician is required for absences of five days or longer or upon the request of Human Resources or designee. 

As a reminder, when scheduling preventive exams and appointments, including vaccination appointments, please do your best to schedule outside of working hours (if and where providers are open after work hours). If you are unable to do so, you may request time off through the Leave Online system and use Sick Leave (self). 

If you have any questions, contact Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources.

Tech Tip of the Week: Using the Do Not Disturb Setting in Zoom Phone


This Tech Tip of the Week provides information on using the “Do Not Disturb” setting of Zoom Phone.