Each year, DEC honors individuals who are making a difference in the lives of young children with special needs and their families.
Rose C. Engel Award for Excellence in Professional Practice
Given to a DEC member who is a practicing professional and whose primary role is serving young children with special needs and their families.This special award is given to honor Rose Engel,
DEC’s first President, whose leadership has shaped DEC as an organization. Nominees are expected to meet the high
standards of professional practice set by Rose Engel.
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2009 Rose Engel Award Recipient, Arlene Wright with DEC Past President, Susan Maude
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J. David Sexton Doctoral Student Award
Given to a DEC member and doctoral level student whose contributions include research, higher education, publications, policy, and information dissemination. This
award is named in honor of J. David Sexton because of his passionate commitment
to doctoral leadership preparation. The Sexton award is
given to a doctoral student who embodies the leadership characteristics Dr. Sexton
possessed and worked to nurture in others.
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2009 David Sexton Award Recipient, Kathleen Artman with DEC Past President, Susan Maude
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Merle B. Karnes Award for Service to the Division
Given to a DEC member who has made a significant contribution to the Division in areas of leadership, service, research, advocacy, or publications. This award is given in honor of Dr. Merle Karnes
who served the Division of Early Childhood for many years as a member of the
Executive Board and as the founder and first editor of the Journal for Early
Intervention.
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2009 Merle Karnes Award Recipient, Barbara Wolfe with DEC Past President, Susan Maude |
Kathleen W. McCartan Award
Given to undergraduate or masters level students who have made significant contributions through their service to the field, community, and professional organizations. This award is given in memory of Kathleen McCartan who
was a leader in the field of personnel preparation and served for many years on
the Executive Board of DEC.
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2009 Kathleen McCartan Award Co-Recipient, Carrie Plant with DEC Past President, Susan Maude |
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2009 Kathleen McCartan Award Co-Recipient, Heather Groh
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Mary McEvoy Service to the Field Award
Given to a parent, community member, or professional who has made notable and significant national or international contributions to the field of early childhood special education. It is given in memory of Mary McEvoy who was a
leader in the early childhood special education field.
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2009 Mary McEvoy Award Recipient, Mary Beth Bruder with DEC Past President, Susan Maude |
Past Award Winners. Click
here to see a list of past DEC Award Winners.