Iowa's behavior training for new teachers and intervention staff (Iowa Admin. Code 281—14.15): what the rule asks, and where outside training fits
The short answer
Iowa rule 281—14.15, which applies to public schools, nonpublic school districts and area education agencies, requires every classroom teacher to receive training on preventing behaviors that present an imminent threat, including evidence-based classroom management strategies, within one year of beginning employment in a teaching position in Iowa. Area education agency (AEA) and school district staff who plan supplemental and intensive social-emotional interventions must also receive training on evidence-based interventions for challenging classroom behaviors, including functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs). In our October 29, 2026 search of the Iowa Legislature and Iowa Department of Education websites, we found no law or rule that requires school staff to complete autism-specific training.
What the law says
Iowa Administrative Code rule 281—14.15 says: "This rule applies to public schools, nonpublic school districts and area education agencies."
Subrule 14.15(4), for classroom teachers:
"Within one year of beginning employment in a teaching position in Iowa, a classroom teacher shall receive training on the prevention of behaviors that present an imminent threat. Training must include the following topics: a. The school's specific policies and procedures for creating learning environments that are safe and supportive. b. Evidence-based culturally responsive approaches to student discipline. c. Evidence-based classroom management strategies that include: (1) An effectively designed physical classroom. (2) Predictable classroom routines. (3) Posted positive classroom expectations. (4) Prompts and active supervision. (5) Varied opportunities to respond. (6) Acknowledgments for expected behavior. d. Universal instruction of social-emotional competencies. e. Engaging families as partners in identifying appropriate supports for learner success. f. Crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and crisis de-escalation techniques consistent with rule 281-14.4(279)."
Subrule 14.15(5), for staff who plan interventions:
"AEA and school district staff who engage in intervention planning to support supplemental and intensive social-emotional interventions shall receive training on evidence-based interventions for challenging classroom behaviors."
That training must include FBAs, using FBAs to design BIPs, individual safety plans, supports for student reentry to learning following a significant event, supports for teacher implementation of BIPs, and crisis prevention, crisis intervention and crisis de-escalation techniques, among other topics. Subrules 14.15(4) and (5) do not set a number of hours, and they do not say the training must be repeated.
The same rule has three other training duties. Under subrule 14.15(2), "An employee must receive training regarding the least restrictive environment." That training includes the process and procedures for making placement decisions based on individual student performance data and participation with peers without disabilities, and for reviewing student performance data. Before using any form of physical restraint or seclusion, an employee must receive training that complies with Chapter 103 (see below). And AEA staff, classroom teachers and school administrators "shall receive training prior to using a classroom clear to calm a student. Training shall be reviewed regularly, but no less frequently than once every three school years."
The rule's history note reads "[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]".
Source: Iowa Admin. Code r. 281—14.15.
Related training rules for Iowa school staff
Restraint and seclusion (Iowa Admin. Code r. 281—103.8(1)). "An employee must receive training prior to using any form of physical restraint or seclusion." The training must cover the chapter's rules, the school's own policies, debriefing, positive behavior interventions and supports, research-based alternatives to restraint and seclusion, crisis prevention and de-escalation, the duties of school resource officers and other responders, and the safe use of restraint and seclusion. The Iowa Department of Education says: "A statewide training module is available through AEA Learning Online." The page shows no price. Our course does not teach restraint, seclusion or crisis intervention.
Special education paraprofessionals (Iowa Admin. Code r. 281—41.403(1)). Paraprofessionals who assist in providing special education shall "Complete appropriate preservice and ongoing staff development specific to the functions to be performed." The rule sets no number of hours and names no training topics; the staff development must be specific to the functions the paraprofessional performs. The agency must provide for or require it before service begins wherever practicable, and otherwise within a reasonable time after service begins.
Paraeducator certificates (Iowa Admin. Code ch. 282—24). The paraeducator generalist certificate requires "at least 90 clock hours of training in the areas of behavior management, exceptional child and at-risk child behavior, collaboration skills, interpersonal relations skills, child and youth development, technology, and ethical responsibilities and behavior." Iowa also offers an optional autism spectrum disorders area of concentration: "An area of concentration is not required but optional." Each area of concentration requires at least 45 clock hours, except the substitute authorization, and applicants must currently hold or have previously held an Iowa paraeducator generalist certificate. An applicant for an initial paraeducator certificate who completes a recognized Iowa paraeducator-approved preparation program has the recommendation of that program's designated certifying official.
License and certificate renewal (Iowa Admin. Code r. 282—20.3). The standard teaching license requires six renewal credits, and "The paraeducator certificate requires three renewal credits." The rule names no autism or behavior content. Renewal credits may be earned for each licensure renewal course or activity "completed as approved through guidelines established by the board of educational examiners."
Regional autism assistance program (Iowa Code § 256.35). State law creates a regional autism assistance program, administered by the Child Health Specialty Clinics of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Its functions include "coordination of in-service training, providing technical assistance, and providing consultation." The section does not require school staff to take training.
Source: Iowa Admin. Code ch. 281—103; Iowa Department of Education, Protecting Student Safety; Iowa Admin. Code ch. 281—41; Iowa Admin. Code ch. 282—24; Iowa Admin. Code ch. 282—20; Iowa Code § 256.35.
Where outside training fits
Rule 281—14.15 does not name a training provider or say how outside courses are accepted toward its training. The required topics include the school's own policies and procedures and crisis prevention, crisis intervention and de-escalation, which our course does not teach. We do not claim that our course satisfies rule 281—14.15, Chapter 103, or any other Iowa requirement, or that it earns Iowa renewal credit or counts toward a paraeducator area of concentration. Before buying outside training for one of these purposes, ask your district, your area education agency or the Iowa Department of Education how it evaluates outside courses.
What our Intro to ABA Level 1 course covers
The Intro to ABA Level 1 course teaches methods and techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for parents and caregivers, teachers, paraprofessionals and behavior technicians who work with a child every day. Topics include what autism is, what ABA is, pairing, errorless teaching and prompting, and active student responding. Complete the course and pass its 40-question final exam with a score of at least 80%. Completing this course earns a Special Learning certificate of completion. That certificate is not a continuing education (CE) certificate. It is basic training in ABA methods for daily practice, not a professional credential. We do not claim Iowa state approval or continuing education credit for this course.
A paraprofessional who took it wrote: "I want to learn everything I can to help my student succeed in the public school system. I found Special Learning's ABA level 1 course so fascinating and inspiring."
Two ways to start
- For one person: try the first two sessions free for 7 days; account creation is required, with no payment information requested. The full course costs $199, paid once, with no subscription or recurring charge. Activate your license code within 90 days of purchase; the published completion window is 10 weeks after activation. You may request a later start date, no later than three months after purchase. Start the free sessions
- For your district's staff: tell us how many people need training and when, and we will send a quote; each participant who completes the course and passes its 40-question final exam with a score of at least 80% earns an individual certificate of completion. Ask for a school quote
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026.