Unlocking Resources for Iowa Families: The ACHIEVE Family Portal

Coming Soon: The ACHIEVE Family Portal is scheduled for a statewide launch during the week of February 24. If your IFSP or IEP team has validated your family contact information and has stored your email address in ACHIEVE, you should receive an email to create an account sometime between February 24-March 1.  

Navigating the world of early intervention and special education services in Iowa can feel overwhelming. Families need access to clear, reliable information to make informed decisions about their child’s education and support services. That’s where the ACHIEVE Family Portal comes in.

What is the ACHIEVE Family Portal?

The ACHIEVE Family Portal is an online resource designed to connect Iowa families to their child’s early intervention (birth-3) or special education (3-21) information. Developed by the Iowa Department of Education in collaboration with stakeholders across the state, this portal provides families with crucial access to the information they need to help support their child’s development and learning. This resource is the first system in the nation to provide families with round-the-clock access to Early ACCESS and special education records.

Through the ACHIEVE Family Portal, families can:

• Access information electronically to support the learner’s development, learning and transition
• Review information needed to participate in IFSP and IEP meetings
• Download and print learner records anytime
• See accomplishments and real-time progress towards outcomes and goals
• Receive meeting notices and view a calendar of upcoming meetings
• Review and sign consent forms
• Complete family engagement surveys

Why is ACHIEVE Important for Families?

For parents of children with disabilities, knowledge is power. The ACHIEVE Family Portal empowers families to:

✅ Stay informed about their child’s development, learning, and transition.
✅ Advocate effectively for necessary accommodations and services.
✅ Improve communication  between providers and families
✅Stay connected through meeting notices and calendar and family engagement surveys.

How to Access ACHIEVE

The portal is available online to Iowa families and is free to use. Creating an account is easy! Just click the link in the invitation email to join the ACHIEVE Family Portal, click the link in the email to register for an account. Parents can get more information and help signing up for the ACHIEVE Family Portal on the webpage: https://educate.iowa.gov/ACHIEVE-Family-Portal

Final Thoughts

The ACHIEVE Family Portal is a game-changer for Iowa families navigating the special education system. By providing easy-to-understand information and tools, it helps parents become stronger advocates for their children. If you have a child with a disability in Iowa, this is a resource you don’t want to miss!