A new tool is coming soon to make it easier for families to stay informed about their child’s special education journey. Iowa uses a system called “ACHIEVE” to create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students. The new ACHIEVE Family Portal is an optional, online system that provides parents and guardians access to information about their child’s special education records. This tool provides you with important information to support your student’s development and learning and helps you take part in IEP team meetings.

“Iowa is proud to be the first state to offer an online way for families to access real-time early intervention and special education information for their children through the ACHIEVE Family Portal,” said Betsy Lin, Bureau Chief of Student Instruction, Evaluation and Services. “The family portal will enhance the collaboration and communication between providers and families, supporting all children’s progress.”

How will I get access?
If parents have provided an email address, you can expect two emails at the end of February that you will need in order to create an account in the ACHIEVE Family Portal. Watch for an email with the subject line “You’re invited to join the ACHIEVE Family Portal”. You will also receive an email from Urbandale Schools with the subject “ACHIEVE Family Portal: Account Creation.” Once you have received both emails, you can click the link in the invitation email and follow the instructions to register for an account. 

What if I don’t receive the email invite?
If you don’t receive the email invite by the end of February, please contact achievesupport@iowa.gov or reach out to your child’s IEP facilitator to update your email address. 

Why should I sign up for the ACHIEVE Family Portal?
With an ACHIEVE Family Portal account, you can:

• Access information to support your learner’s development and learning  
• Be prepared for IEP meetings with records and real-time progress
• View a calendar of meetings and get meeting notices  
• Download and print your learner’s records anytime
• See your child’s accomplishments and real-time progress towards their goals
• Get meeting notices and view a calendar of upcoming meetings
• View and sign consent forms

Can I log into the ACHIEVE Family Portal on my phone?
Yes, you will be able to access the ACHIEVE Family Portal on any device with an internet browser, including your computer, tablet, or phone. There are no apps to download.

What if I don’t have the internet or don’t want to sign up for the ACHIEVE Family Portal?
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. 

Where do I go for more information?
You’re welcome to view the video and visit the ACHIEVE Family Portal web page.

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