Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time - Register here. Join the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the Council for Exceptional Children for a webinar about the revision of the DEC Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators. Presenters will explain why the standards are being reviewed, describe the revision timeline, and share how research, expertise, family perspectives, and the earl

Are you a student in a program for Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education? Join us for these upcoming events! Doctoral Students: Put the EI/ECSE Standards to Work for You Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, 3:00–4:30 PM Eastern Time - Register here. You are preparing to shape the future of early intervention and early childhood special education. The EI/ECSE Standards can help you get there. Part 1 | 3:00-4:00 PM What Are the EI/ECSE Standards—and What Can They Do fo

Service Coordination in Action: Strengthening Families, Supporting Dreams April 22nd, 2027, 10:30 AM–4:30 PM Eastern Time on Zoom Events The DEC EI SC Virtual Institute is designed to bring together service coordinators, supervisors, leaders, providers, family members, and community partners to share practical strategies, lived experiences, reflective practices, and innovative approaches that strengthen outcomes for children and families. Please note that this institute’s aud

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, and the University of Maryland are recruiting caregivers of children ages 1–5 who are waiting for autism-related services (e.g., diagnostic evaluation, ABA, or early intervention) for the MENU research study (Modular Approach to Evidence-Based Practices for Newly Referred Underserved Families). The purpose of this study is to develop and test a flexible, family-centered program designed to support caregiver

Congress is making decisions now that could affect infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. Three things you can ask Congress to do: 1. Fund ALL parts of IDEA and preserve dedicated funding for IDEA Preschool and Part D Grants. The Administration's FY 2027 budget proposes increases for IDEA Part C and Part B Grants to States, but eliminates dedicated funding for the IDEA Preschool Program and Part D Nati

This research is being conducted by Sarah Wiegand, New Mexico State University. Approved by NMSU IRB- Protocol #2603233879 Are you a Part C early intervention provider who wants to learn more about working with parents with intellectual disabilities? You may be eligible to participate in a professional development study. Purpose of the Study Develop and examine participant perceptions of a professional development program designed to support early intervention providers in co

Deadline Extended: September 30th, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time: Read the full call below and submit a proposal/abstract (less than 1 page) and brief author biography (1 paragraph) here. The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is seeking article proposals for an upcoming practitioner-focused publication, Special Rights, Shared Possibilities: Reggio Emilia Practices for Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms. This publication will explore how the Reggio Emilia approach can support

Your comprehensive source for the latest DEC policy news, federal updates, action alerts, and advocacy resources. September 11th, 2026 | OSERS Head Resigns Ahead of Staff Move to HHS - CEC Policy Insider OSERS Head Resigns Ahead of Staff Move to HHS Kelly Rogers, who has overseen the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) since last May, resigned on Wednesday, one day before staff were scheduled to move to the Department of Health and Human Services (

Courageous leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about showing up with curiosity, clarity, and the willingness to have the conversations that move people and organizations forward. Join fellow DEC members for an eight-session leadership book study centered on Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. Together, participants will explore practical ideas for building trust, navigating difficult conversations, recognizing the stori

The CEC Necrology Registry honors the lives and professional contributions of CEC members who have passed away. It preserves their legacy, recognizes their service to the Council and the field of special education, and ensures they remain a valued part of CEC’s history. For many years, CEC maintained an annual necrology recognizing members who had passed away during the previous year. Although this practice ended in 2020, the Division of Leaders and Legacy (DLL) worked with t