At CAL, we are committed to providing families with the information and support they need to navigate special education services. This page serves as a resource for families of students receiving special education, offering general information, updates, and tools to support student success.

Here, you will find important details about special education programs, services, and processes, as well as specific information and guidance on using the ACHIEVE Family Portal, a tool designed to help families stay informed and engaged in their child’s education.

We encourage you to explore the resources available and reach out to your child’s IEP roster teacher or building principal with any questions. Our goal is to ensure that each student receives the support he or she needs to thrive!

GENERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION INFORMATION

I-3 - the Iowa IDEA Website - In Iowa, the Department of Education, Area Education Agencies, and local school districts partner and collaborate to ensure quality special education and early intervention services are provided to all eligible individuals, birth to 21, as outlined in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special education and early intervention services, supports, and activities are provided at no cost to parents. This website contains guidance, resources, and procedures to support families and schools.

ACHIEVE FAMILY PORTAL

The Iowa Dept. of Ed has developed a tool to help you prepare for conversations with (CAL or Hampton-Dumont) about your student’s special education progress. The ACHIEVE Family Portal is an optional, online system that lets parents and guardians access information about their child's special education records electronically! This tool provides you with important information to support your student’s development and learning and helps you take part in Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings.

Creating an ACHIEVE Family Portal account is completely optional. It is not meant to replace communication with your IEP team. Meetings with your IEP team continue to be required and paper copies of your child’s records can be provided at that time.

Helpful Links for Families:

• Iowa Dept. of Ed. ACHIEVE Family Portal webpage - contains information and resources for families who wish to learn more about the ACHIEVE Family Portal.  More resources will be added, keep checking back.

• ACHIEVE Family Portal Overview video - 5 min video introducing this new platform

• ACHIEVE Family Portal Fact Sheet

• Quick Start Guide - Account Creation

• Language Translation Guide