“Save the date for our 2026 Fall Education Conference! Join us Friday, November 6th, for “More Than Words: Communication in Action”! Featuring keynote speaker Jenny Brodell, M.A., CCC-SLP, this year’s conference will focus on supporting meaningful communication, connection, and self-expression across all stages of life.
Sessions will explore a variety of approaches that recognize and build upon individual strengths while also addressing diverse communication needs in the home, school, workplace, and community settings. Attendees will gain practical insights into collaborative support strategies, inclusive communication practices, relationship-building, and tools that promote independence and self-advocacy.
Designed for professionals, caregivers, educators, service providers, and self-advocates, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn, connect, and discover at this year’s conference.”
“Celebrate the beginning of another school year with a dance in a safe and accepting environment with ASI and Axis Therapy Centers!
Lights will be turned up, and the sound will be turned down. Sensory area opportunities with occupational therapists will be available. We’ll also have a live DJ, and photo opportunities with backdrop and props! Cookies and water will be provided.
$10 per participant OR $40 for a family of four or more. Please note that ach participant must be accompanied by a family member or caregiver.”
“Join us as we welcome Monica Goodvin, BCBA, LBA, for a discussion on fostering and supporting inclusion in early childhood education classroom and daycare settings.
We will cover:
Whether you’re a teacher, paraprofessional, or care provider, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to set our earliest learners up for success!”
“You learn about pregnancy nutrition, your
baby’s development and community
resources.
Connect with other expecting mothers in
Polk County.
Participants receive a “Healthy Baby
Backpack” filled with gifts for your baby
valued at more than $100.”
To register: https://go.iastate.edu/VGM4PS
Register by August 10th by phone, email, text, or using the above link.
Contact Cassie at
odlandc@iastate.edu
515-414-9865
“Join us for a special playtime. Early Childhood Interventionists from Heartland Area Education Agency will be available to provide information on meeting milestones and development while children explore a variety of centers. Children and their parents can also take a ride on a WDMCS school bus to help prepare them for school! An accessible bus will be available. For ages 3yrs- 6yrs. Registration required.”
https://www.wdmlibrary.org/event/preschool-playtime-heartland-aea-and-school-bus-ride-121993
“Neurodiversity of ADHD & How to
Support Success
This training provides a neurodiversityaffirming understanding of ADHD and explores
how ADHD impacts attention, regulation,
executive functioning, relationships, and daily
functioning across environments. Participants
will examine common misconceptions
surrounding ADHD while learning practical
strategies to better support children, families,
and individuals with ADHD in ways that build
confidence, connection, and success. The
session emphasizes strengths-based
approaches, relationship-centered support,
and realistic interventions that can be applied
immediately within helping professions and
caregiving roles.”
Register: https://www.thrivingfamiliesalliance.org/trainings
https://www.thrivingfamiliesalliance.org/event-details/trauma-informed-practice-and-adhd-support-a-two-part-professional-development-webinar-series-1
“Responding to Stress Through
Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
Dana
Johnson
June 30
Register
thrivingfamiliesalliance.org/trainings
Stress impacts how people think, feel,
communicate, and respond to the world
around them. This interactive training explores
how stress and trauma affect regulation,
behavior, relationships, and engagement
through a trauma-informed lens. Participants
will gain a deeper understanding of the
nervous system, the Window of Tolerance, and
how stress responses can show up across
children, families, professionals, and teams.
The session will also provide practical
strategies to support regulation, connection,
and emotional safety within helping
relationships and professional environments.”
Register: https://www.thrivingfamiliesalliance.org/trainings
https://www.thrivingfamiliesalliance.org/event-details/trauma-informed-practice-and-adhd-support-a-two-part-professional-development-webinar-series-1
