Early ACCESS
Early ACCESS is a partnership between families with young children (birth to age 3) and providers from:
- Iowa’s AEAs
- Iowa Department of Education
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- Iowa Department of Human Services
- Child Health Specialty Clinics
Families and Early ACCESS staff work together to identify, coordinate and provide needed services and resources that help families assist their infants and toddlers in their growth and development.
A Family Guide to Early ACCESS
Watch this video to learn more about Early ACCESS and how families feel about the providers who assist them and their children.
Eligibility Criteria
Infants and toddlers under the age of 3 are eligible to receive Early ACCESS early intervention services when they meet any one of the three following criteria:
1. The child has a diagnosed and documented physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in developmental delays.
2. The child has a 25% or more delay in one or more of the following developmental areas:
- cognitive development
- physical development including vision and hearing
- communication development
- social/emotional development
- adaptive development
3. An informed clinical opinion may establish a child’s eligibility.
Guidance Documents
Administrative Rules of Early ACCESS
Early ACCESS Release Notes (July 2020)
Early ACCESS Procedural Safeguards for Parents
Early ACCESS Summary of Parents Rights
How to Make a Referral
If you think your child, age birth to 3 years, may need assistance, you can make a referral in one of two ways: directly to Heartland AEA or through the Iowa Family Support Network.
OR
Please note that if your child resides in the Des Moines Public School district, he/she would receive services from the district rather than from Heartland AEA. If your child resides in the Des Moines district, contact:
Pam Nielsen
(515) 242-8213
More Information
For additional information about Early ACCESS in Iowa, visit: