The Division for Early Childhood

TODAY is the Early Learning Day of Action!!
The Division for Early Childhood is pleased to be a part of the Strong Start for Children Campaign, a unified effort led by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) and supported by over 250 organ...  more

“What’s Happening in Washington”: a webinar sponsored by DECIDE
“What’s Happening in Washington” Join us for a webinar with Tracie Dickson and Jennifer Simpson, OSEP early childhood staff.  They will share important updates and news concern...  more

DEC Volunteer Opportunity!
DEC is looking for members with interest in helping market and better disseminate several DEC, products, papers, and the YEC monographs. DEC is looking for help in generating sales for existing prod...  more

FREE WEBCAST! Early Childhood Development: Investing in Our Children and Our Future
Early Childhood Development: Investing in Our Children and Our Future June 4, 2013, 1:30pm - 4:00pm EST You are invited to attend (live or online) the 19th Annual Health Equity Research Webcast &n...  more

Attend the DEC session at the 2013 NAEYC Professional Development Institute
Discover how DEC's evidence-based resources can be used in professional and policy development. Participate in discussions and activities to learn how to use these resources to support the inclusion...  more

DEC Members: Comments Needed on SPP/APR Package
The U.S. Department of Education is looking for comments on a proposed package for the State Performance plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR).  The proposed package includes plans for a...  more

FY2014 Budget Briefing April 19 - Live Streaming Available
  There will be a FFY 2014 Budget Briefing tomorrow on the President’s Budget Request for early learning.    This briefing is available for live-streaming and is hosted by Dep...  more

DEC Federal Update: The President's Budget
DEC Federal Update, April 12, 2013 On Wednesday April 10th, the President released his fiscal year 2014 budget which proposes to increase spending on education programs by 4.5% and repeals the automa...  more

ITCA Parent Leadership Award-Nominations now being accepted
Each year the IDEA Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) presents awards to deserving families who have been strong advocates for Part C and have made valuable contributions to the Part...  more

CEC, DEC Call On President to Address Young Children with Disabilities in Early Learning Proposals
CEC, DEC Call On President to Address Young Children with Disabilities in Early Learning Proposals In a letter to President Obama, CEC, together with its Division on Early Childhood, have ca...  more

Increased funding for IDEA? We need your help NOW!
The Senate has NOW started debating Senator Harkin's amendment to increase funding for IDEA. The Harkin amendment - which would increase IDEA grants to states for school aged children (Part B) by $125...  more

It is only days till Sequestration takes effect! Now is the time to reach out.
March 1st is fast approaching and unless Congress acts that means all education programs, and many other important federal programs will be cut by 5.1% on March 2nd.     With only days...  more

Final Part B Medicaid Consent Regulations Issued
Amendments to the IDEA Part B regulations that apply to services for children and youth with disabilities under Part B, including preschoolers served under Section 619, were published in the February...  more

President Obama’s Plan for Early Education for all Americans
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary February 14, 2013   President Obama’s Plan for Early Education for all Americans “In states that make it a priority to educate...  more

New Paper on RTI in Early Childhood Just Released!
The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) ann...  more

Sequestration--Join us for a National Day of Action on Monday, February 11th
DEC Needs Your Help! Throughout 2012, the DEC Children's Action Network encouraged action on avoiding the automatic sequestration- the across the board budget cuts that will severely impact programs...  more

Position Announcement: DEC Executive Director
DEC is seeking applicants for the Executive Director (ED) position. The ED’s role within DEC is to plan, develop, administer, facilitate, and oversee all operations and activities of DEC, consis...  more

10th Annual Addressing Challenging Behavior Institute
10th ANNUAL NATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE ON EFFECTIVE PRACTICES: Addressing Challenging Behavior, Supporting Young Children's Social/Emotional Development    March 20-23, 2013 Clearwat...  more

Share a Child's Success Story to Be Included in CEC's Federal Budget Publication!
...  more

Congress and the President Agree to Pull Back from the “Cliff”
Congress and the President Agree to Pull Back from the “Cliff” DEC Update – January 2, 2013   Late New Years Day, close to midnight, the House passed a compromise plan and s...  more

U.S. Senate Votes Down U.N. Convention on Persons with Disabilities
December 4, 2012 The United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) failed to pass today. The final vote was 61-38 with Senator Kirk not present as he is still recovering from his...  more

National Call-In Day to U.S. Senate is TODAY, Wednesday November 28--urge your Senators not to cut vital programs for children and families!
DEC Action Alert NOVEMBER 28, 2012 Call Your Senators – Don’t Cut Vital Programs for Children & Families! National Call-In Day to U.S. Senate on Wednesday, November 28th &...  more

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities goes to the Senate floor TODAY!!!
November 27, 2012 The time has come!   Senate Majority Leader Reid has announced that he will be bringing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the Senate floor TODAY...  more

Proposal Submission Deadline is January 15 for DEC's 2013 Conference
Proposals are now being accepted for DEC's 29th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families which will be held October 16-18, 2013 in San Francisco, Califor...  more

DEC Representative to CEC's Knowledge and Skills Committee
DEC Representative to CEC's Knowledge & Skills Committeee--due November 15 The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is looking for an individual to represent our division on the Council for...  more

DEC Recommended Practice Commission--Member Opportunity
Recommended Practices Commission--due November 15 DEC has formed a Commission to oversee the revision of Recommended Practices.  The Commission is charged with ensuring that the updated DEC Reco...  more

Election Resources for the 2012 US Presidential Campaign
Election Day is just around the corner! As you get ready to vote on November 6 to choose the next United States President, DEC wants to share some valuable resources: 1.    CEC...  more

DEC Conference Handouts Are Now Posted!
If you are attending the 28th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities--or wish you were-- the handouts are now posted.  Click here to browse the conference program and...  more

DEC Members - Time to Vote for new Executive Board Members!
It's time to elect new members to the DEC Executive Board!  As DEC members, voting is your right and responsibility. It ensures that DEC continues to thrive and evolve as an international organi...  more

Remembering Betty Hart--She Made a Meaningful Difference
    Dr. Betty Hart, Emeritus Associate Research Professor and Scientist from the University of Kansas, Schiefelbusch Institute for L...  more

Are you attending this year's DEC Conference in Minneapolis?
DEC's 28th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families October 28-30, 2012 Hilton Minneapolis We'll see you there!  This year's conference is shap...  more

Request for Manuscripts-Addressing Challenging Behavior Monograph
Young Exceptional Children Monograph 15 - Addressing Young Children's Challenging Behaviors Request for Manuscripts DEC is interested in manuscripts that highlight age and developmentally appropria...  more

Isn't it a Great Time to Join DEC?
October really is a great time to join the Division for Early Childhood!  In addition to all the great member benefits, you can save $10 if you join or renew your professional membership to CEC a...  more

DEC Members: Vote on Changes to DEC Bylaws by October 5
The Executive Board of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) has completed a review of the current Constitution and Bylaws and proposed changes for review and approval by our members. ...  more

Exploring Science and Nature with Young Children--A Hands On Workshop
DEC is excited announce the following workshop: Exploring Science and Nature with Young Children Through Standards-Based Curricula with Vicki Stayton, Krista Williams, and Brandy Adams Sunday, Octobe...  more

Developing Family-Centered Outcomes
Does your IFSP team struggle when it’s time to develop outcomes? Do you see “canned” outcomes that are not individualized and do not reflect each family and child’s unique inte...  more

Share Your Thoughts on Functional Outcomes for Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children
Add your voice to OSEP's Results-Driven Accountability (RDA) Discussion OSEP appreciates the comments and suggestions posted in response to the most recent RDA blog question.  After reviewing th...  more

Nominate a Colleague for DEC's 2012 Awards
Each year DEC honors individuals who are making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.  It's time to submit your nomination for the 2012 awards which will be present...  more

Feeling Creative? DEC would love 5 minutes of your time to gather ideas about a new logo.
That's right! After nearly 40 years, DEC is considering a new logo and we'd love your input. Click here to take a brief survey and share your thoughts about our logo.  Do you love our current log...  more

Due July 12: We need YOUR Input on the Joint Position Statement on RTI in Early Childhood
We invite your comments on Response to Intervention in Early Childhood Education (RtI in ECE). This joint paper is being developed by three associations: the Division for Early Childhood of the Coun...  more

More $$ for IDEA and Special Education Research!
Senate Committee Increases IDEA and Special Education Research Funding Yesterday the Senate Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), ap...  more

Sequestration: What you need to know
Funding for important children's programs and benefits for practitioners face serious cuts unless we take action now.  Click here to find out how you can help keep funding for these programs and...  more

CEC/DEC Action Alert: Your Action Needed Today! Tell Your Senators: Support and Invest in Special Education
***TELL YOUR SENATORS: SUPPORT & INVEST IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH AND GIFTED EDUCATION*** Tuesday, June 12, at 2:30 p.m. EST the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labo...  more

Making Every Minute Count: Using Recommended Practices...One-day Training
Making Every Minute Count  Using DEC’s Recommended Practices to Embed Learning Opportunities in Everyday Routines    August 9, 2012 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Clinton County RESA,...  more

DEC Internship Opportunities Available
DEC is pleased to announce the availability of internships for students working at the graduate or doctoral level.  There are two opportunities currently available: Virtual Intern: Recommended P...  more

DEC Celebrates the Life and Lessons of Katie Beckett
On Friday, May 18, Katie Beckett died in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She was 34 years old.  But Katie was just an infant when she contracted a brain infection and, once healed, requi...  more

U.S. Dept of Ed Launches Office of Early Learning Website
From the U.S. Department of Education: The newly-established Office of Early Learning (OEL) now has a web site. It is our desire to provide you with useful and timely information that will enhance yo...  more

New Guidance on Serving Preschool Children Through Title 1
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELEASES REVISED NON-REGULATORY GUIDANCE ON SERVING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH TITLE I   Today, the Department posted revised non-regulatory guidance for districts...  more

Registration is now open for DEC's 2012 International Conference
It's time to register for the 28th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families which will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 28-30, 2012. &nbs...  more

From the U.S. Dept. of Education: 2012 Race to the Top Fund Continues Investments in Statewide Systems of High Quality Early Education Programs
The 2012 Race to the Top Fund Continues Investments in Statewide Systems of High Quality Early Education Programs Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon and Wisconsin are eligible for a share o...  more

Participate in a Twitter Town Hall with the U.S. Department of Education on April 11
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Assistant Secretary Alexa Posny will join the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) during the 2012 Convention and Expo, for a Twitter Town Hall on Wednesd...  more

Check out the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education new website: Stop Bullying
HHS & Education Department Launch New 'Stop Bullying' Website The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education have launched a redesigned Stop Bullying website to encourage childr...  more

Revising Recommended Practices--Your Input Needed
For more than two decades, DEC's Recommended Practices have shaped the way practitioners work with young children with disabilities and their families.  DEC has launched an exciting initiative to...  more

DEC Webinar on May 10: Early Intervention for Toddlers with Autism
Principles of Practice in Early Intervention for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Presenters: Hannah Schertz, Carol Trivette, Juliann Woods Date: May 10, 2012 Time (U.S.):  3:00 pm E...  more

Implementing Tiered Instruction--Attend this Webinar!
Implementing Tiered Instruction for Diverse PreK Learners: Effective Teacher Decision Making at Tier One. A CEC/DEC Collaborative Webinar Thu., May. 3, 2012 4:00PM – 5:00PM ET Presenters:&nb...  more

Love Policy? Apply to be DEC's new Children's Action Network Coordinator
DEC's Children’s Action Network (CAN) Coordinator Position Description DEC is recruiting for an energetic individual with a passion for policy! The CAN Coordinator plays a pivotal role in ad...  more

Creating Embedded Learning Opportunities Webinar February 20!
Creating Embedded Learning Opportunities Using the DEC Recommended Practices Webinar Have you been looking for a way to be more effective and save time?  If you work directly with young childr...  more

CEC Needs Your Part C and 619 Success Story!
DEC Members, we need your help!   What CEC needs: Part C and 619 success stories!!! Why CEC Needs Our Stories . . . Every year, CEC publishes the Federal Outlook for Exceptional Children, p...  more

DEC Congratulates the Race to the Top Grant Winners!
The following states have been award Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grants:  California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washingto...  more

ALERT: Call White House Today, Monday, December 19, 2011!
We need your call today!! Our important work as advocates to ensure necessary funds for all early childhood programs in 2013 begins today!  Right now, the Administration is finalizing what it w...  more

Request for Manuscripts
DEC is requesting manuscripts for YEC Monograph No. 14: Supporting Young Children who are Dual Language Learners with or at-risk for Disabilities.  Please click here for details on to contri...  more

Follow us on Twitter @DECTweets!
Annual conference news, exciting policy updates, important publications releases, and opportunities to advocate for young children with special needs and their families are now just a tweet away. ...  more

Side-by-side Comparison Highlights Changes to Part C Regulations
To help special educators and early interventionists in their monumental task of implementing the updated regulations, the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC...  more

Join YEC’s Student Editorial Board Today!
  DEC’s Young Exceptional Children journal is forming a 20-member Student Editorial Board comprised of DEC Members who are currently enrolled in a docto...  more

New Position Statement Needs Your Field Review!
The DEC Executive Board recently approved a position statement for field review. Promoting the Health, Safety and Well-Being of Young Children with Disabilities or Developmental Delays needs your inpu...  more

Do you wish you knew more about DEC’s Recommended Practices? We have just the workshop for you…
We have a great recommendation!  If you want to know what it takes to deliver the best services to young children and their families, you need to regis...  more

DEC Understanding IDEA Part C Regulations Webinars!
  The Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children is pleased to announce four webinars designed to help you learn more about th...  more

Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge FAQs Now Posted!
  The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (the Departments) have posted Race to the Top –Early...  more

Part C Regulations available!
  Today the U.S. Department of Education announced the release of the final regulations for the early intervention program under Part C of the Indiv...  more

Part C Regulations announcement! September 6th Call!
Please join a conference call with Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Assistant Secretary Alexa Posny, and Associate Director, White House Office...  more

Early Learning Challenge Applications Announced! Due October 19, 2011
The final application package for Race to the Top- Early Learning Challenge Grants has been released by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.  State applications are du...  more

Family Stipend to 27th Annual International Conference
DEC is excited to announce an opportunity for families of young children with disabilities and other special needs! DEC will offer 25 stipends covering the cost of registration for this year’s interna...  more

Part C Regulations To Be Published in Early September
OSEP indicated on August 12, 2011 that “The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed the review, and approved the IDEA Part C regulations.” OSEP further stated that “the Department plans...  more

DEC Comments on Race to the Top
DEC recently took the opportunity to comment on the new Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (RTTT-ELC) application package. &nbs...  more

Register for DEC's upcoming Webinar!
Join an interactive discussion providing national, state, and provider perspectives on the challenges and successes to defining the role of Special Instruction, maximizing the use of S...  more

RTT-ELC Comments Invited
On Friday July 1st, the US Dept of Education released Draft Executive Summary for the RTT-ELC Competition for one week of public comment.  Comments are due July 11th.  Please find th...  more

RTI Summit 2011! Interested in Response to Intervention?
If you are interested in Response to Intervention and implementing tiered interventions for young children?  Then you should attend the 3rd Annual RTI Early Childhood Summit!  Pl...  more

DEC's 27th Annual International Conference!
Please click here to learn more and register now! Join us this November just outside of Washington, DC!    ...  more

DEC Alert: Good news! Final Part C Regulations gone to OMB!
DEC is pleased to let you know that the final Part C regulations have been sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.  Here is the official notice:...  more

Young Exceptional Children Journal Editor Search
Do you have a wide range of knowledge concerning early intervention/early childhood special education?  Do you have experience as an editor?  Would you like to make a significant contributio...  more

Joint Position Statement on Response to Intervention in Early Childhood (RTI-EC) – Watch the Work Unfold Online
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC), and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) are...  more

“Think Piece” on Inclusive Education invites your comments!
VSA invites you to share your definition of inclusive education with a short paragraph (two to five sentences) that will be included in the Think Piece and/or a short video (1min max). Submission Dead...  more

CEC/DEC Collaborative Webinar: Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in PreK and K
Did you miss the CEC/DEC Collaborative Webinar: Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in PreK and K presented by Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Kent State University, and Mary Ruth Coleman, University...  more

President’s Budget Includes $50 Million Increase for Part C!
The President’s Budget was just released this morning and includes a $50 million increase for Part C for FFY 2012!  This is wonderful news for young children with disabilities and their families. Unfo...  more

CEC Pre-Conference Opportunity! Young Athletes: a motor program for use in inclusive preschool settings
WORKSHOP 12: Young Athletes: Promoting Motor Skill Development in Preschool-aged Children with Disabilities The increasing emphasis on school readiness has resulted in the development of cognitive a...  more

CEC and DEC will be watching the State of the Union Address tonight!
Will you?  The President is expected to spend time addressing education tonight.  Please click here to read more....  more

CEC/DEC Collaborative Webinar to be held February 8, 2011!
Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction in PreK and K Programs will focus on curriculum differentiation for preschoolers and Kindergarteners to achieve quality Tier One instruction.  To participate...  more

Great New Resource on Autism Just Released!
Check out the Young Exceptional Children Monograph No. 12: Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Families.  Please click here for more information about this title....  more

Answers to all your questions on IDEA!
DEC is excited to announce the publication of a great new resource:  Understanding IDEA: What it means for preschoolers with disabilities and their families.  Please click here for more information ab...  more

DEC2011 Call for Proposals!
Submit your proposal for November's conference in National Harbor, Maryland!  Proposals accepted until January 15, 2011.  Please click here for more information....  more

DEC's President's Blog now active!
Stay informed with updates from DEC President Amy Santos on the new blog!  To read her inaugural post, click here....  more

DEC's comments on the Reauthorization of ESEA
DEC was invited along with eight other national organizations to meet with Jacqueline Jones, Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Early Learning, to discuss ESEA and other early childhood initiatives...  more

Council for Exceptional Children offers discount to students
CEC's Back to School student membership campaign has begun!  Please visit here for more information and register as a student member to receive your discount....  more

DEC's informative powerpoint presentation What's Happening in Washington? is available here.
Please click here for  What's Happening in Washington?...  more

Senate Passes $26.1 Billion Medicaid/Education Jobs Package
Yesterday, the Senate passed a procedural cloture vote by 61-28 that was necessary to cut off debate and allow the Senate to vote today on the actual amendment.  Maine Republican Senators Olympia Snow...  more

Do you know someone SUPER?
Do you know a SUPER teacher, parent, researcher or student?  If so, consider nominating them for one of DEC's prestigious awards.  Each year, DEC honors individuals who are making a differen...  more

DEC Executive Board Nominations
Are you interested in expanding your skills and helping the field?  Consider a position on the DEC Executive Board!   2011/2012 vacancies include Vice President, Treasurer and Member-at-Large....  more

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual RTI Early Childhood Summit
. . .  to be held on October 12-13, 2010 in Kansas City—days before the DEC Conference!  This event offers unparalleled access to research and resources that support the application of response to int...  more

20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act White House Celebration
Happy Anniversay!  Today, July 26, marks two decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush.  Join in the celebration as President Obama spea...  more

This week’s featured workshop: PRE-1: Intentional and Systematic Instruction in Early Learning: Tools for Teachers and Families
Presented by Patricia Snyder, PhD, Tara McLaughlin, MEd, Susan Sandall, PhD, Mary Louise Hemmeter, PhD, and Mary McLean, PhD.   You can embed instruction in everyday activities, routines, and transi...  more

This week’s featured workshop: PRE-5: Beyond Table Time: Play-Based Applied Behavior Analysis for Youngsters with Autism
Presented by Amanda Boutot, PhD, BCBA-D   This hands-on workshop will explore common myths and misconceptions regarding the use of applied behavior analysis with very young children with autism. Aud...  more

This week’s featured workshop: PRE-2: I Do, You Do, We Do! Training Providers to Facilitate Parent-Child Groups
Presented by Tweety Yates.   This workshop will share resources and materials to help providers facilitate parent-child groups that effectively promote the social emotional development of infants a...  more

This week’s featured workshop: PRE-3: Implementing Tiered Instruction: Universal, Targeted and Intentional Strategies
Presented by Jennifer Grisham-Brown, Sarah Hawkins, Carrie Pfeiffer-Fiala, Kathy Harris, and Sandy Robbins.   The workshop will describe a tiered model for implementing universal, targeted, and int...  more

This week’s featured workshop: PRE-4: Assessment in Early Intervention-Making it Meaningful for Children and Families
Presented by Amy Cocorikis, Ted Burke, and Susan Connor.   What does it mean to assess a very young child for early intervention supports and services? Using a variety of engaging case studies, vide...  more

This week’s featured workshop: POST-2: Online Professional Development for Intentional Interventions on Family-Professional Partnerships
Presented by Ann Turnbull, Heather Aldersey, Chun-yu Chiu, Grace Francis, Shana Haines, Heather Haynes, Peggy Miksch, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, and Sookyung Shin.   The Kansas Part C program, Beach...  more

This week’s featured workshop: POST-4: Authentic Assessment for Planning Intentional Instruction in Blended Early Childhood Settings
Presented by Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Jennifer Grisham-Brown, Anna Hall,  and Julie Rutland.   This workshop provides strategies for collecting information to plan and revise intentional instructio...  more

This week’s featured workshop: POST-3: Virtual Home Visits: Providing Services to Children and Families via the Internet
Presented by Barbara Fiechtl, Susan Olsen, and Sarah Rule.   This workshop demonstrates effective ways to use video conferencing to provide early intervention services to families. Data on program i...  more

This week’s featured workshop: POST-1: Intentional Teaching: Finding the Right Communication Strategies for Every Child
Presented by Noa Hannah.   This workshop focuses on intentional teaching strategies for children with moderate to severe communication disorders including autism spectrum disorders.  Strategies incl...  more

This week’s featured workshop: PRE-7: Project DATA: Intentional Instruction for Children with Autism Spectrum In Preschool Settings
Presented by Ilene Schwartz, PhD, Rachel Nevin, MEd, Ariane Gauvreau, MEd,  and Julia Ashmun, MEd.   Project DATA is a school-based approach that blends the most effective practices from applied beh...  more

Plan your conference
The entire conference program is available to you in an easy-to-use interactive format. You can search session by presenter name, topic and keywords. Personalize your conference by choosing the mix...  more

This week's featured workshop: PRE-6: Evidence-Based Practices with Dual Language Learners: Assessment and Intervention
Presented by Lillian Duran, PhD   As the number of young dual language learners dramatically increases, practitioners find themselves struggling to provide appropriate services because of cultural...  more

Calls Needed: Increasing Concern about Congressional Efforts To Extend Medicaid ARRA
DEC members are asked to call or email both their Senators to ask them to support the very important 6 month extension of the ARRA increase in the federal Medicaid match until June 30, 2011.   These f...  more

DEC provides comment on Departments of Education and Health and Human Services Listening and Learning about Early Learning Tour
DEC and our membership has had a long history of providing leadership, policy, and recommendations to the Congress and the Executive Branch on behalf of young children (birth through 8 years) with dis...  more

DEC will work with NAEYC and NHSA to develop a joint position on RTI
In a matter of a few short years, Response to Intervention (RTI) has become a familiar phrase in the early childhood field.  Because RTI is an emerging practice, it is critical that the early childhoo...  more

Wondering about the status of your DEC Conference Proposal?
Proposals for our 2010 conference were due January 15, 2010. Lead presenters were notified (via email) on March 9, 2010 as to the status of their proposal.  If you are the lead presenter on a proposal...  more

CALL CONGRESS TODAY, March 4th -- Budget Priorites Depend on Your Calls
Call Congress on March 4th -  Budget Priorities Depend on Your Calls   At this moment, Congress is beginning to put together its part of the annual budget process.  The President announced his prio...  more

Sharon Lewis Appointed as Commissioner
Sharon Lewis has been appointed Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families.  Sharon has over ten years of experience as a disability policy ad...  more

Journal of Early Intervention Editor Search
Do you have a wide range of knowledge concerning early intervention/early childhood special education?  Do you have experience as an editor?  Would you like to make a significant contribution to the l...  more

Congratulations to newly elected Board Members!
Congratulations to DEC's new officers!  Terms begin July 1, 2010. Bonnie Keilty - Elected to Vice President Gregory Cheatham - Elected to  Member-at-Large Megan Purcell - El...  more

CEC Multicultural Institute
Be sure to join your colleagues on Wednesday, April 21 at the Multicultural Institute, one of the most exciting new events at the CEC 2010 Convention & Expo in Nashville, April 21-24. Alba Ortiz o...  more

Quality Inclusive Practices in a Diverse Society
DEC WEBINAR -  Quality Inclusive Practices in a Diverse Society The DEC Publications Committee is pleased to host a webinar for members, early childhood practitioners, and family members interes...  more

December 2009 Federal Update
Sharon Walsh, DEC's Governmental Relations Consultant, presented a federal update to 619 Coordinators at the Office of Special Education Projects (OSEP) meeting in Washington, D.C. last week.  Click h...  more

Joint Position Statement on Inclusion
The Division for Early Childhood and the National Association for the Education of Young Children have recently approved a joint position statement that underscores their commitment to quality early...  more

NHSA Academy 2009
Administrator and Mid Manager Credential Program InterContinental Miami Hotel, Miami, Florida June 22-25, 2009 ABOUT THE NHSA ACADEMY 2009: The NHSA Academy Administra...  more

Weigh in on Early Childhood Assessment
We are inviting those who work with young children from birth to age eight to participate in a consumer rating of early childhood assessment measures.  For more information, please visit our Prof...  more

Comment on DEC's Dev. Delay Concept Paper
DEC’s concept paper on developmental delay was developed to address policies and practices for using developmental delay as a category of eligibility for young children. The paper has been revised a...  more