Northwest Area Education Agency, located in Sioux City, Iowa, provides a range of student-centered services to families, educators and the community. The agency helps them to develop cooperative partnerships to improve education programs for children with special needs by providing specialized resources, services, leadership and support. It provides support for families and educators through personal or phone contact and links families and educators with needed services and resources. It develops and facilitates parent support groups and conducts workshops on various subjects for families and educators. It provides books, pamphlets and audio and video tapes on issues regarding special education, parenting and disabilities. Additionally, it publishes a newsletter that includes articles and information on current issues. It has also established partnerships with other agencies and programs working with families and educators.