Professionals and parents look to DEC for information, resources, advocacy, and the opportunity to network with colleagues around the world. Members enjoy five journals, an international conference, regional training events, an extensive policy and advocacy network, listservs, and wonderful publications including DEC Recommended Practices in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education.

Types of membership include:

Professional-Open to all professionals in the field of education
Student-Must be a full or part-time student who is not employed full time in the field.
Joint-Membership for two people to share. The pair of members receives one set of CEC publications and maintains two separate memberships so they each can join Divisions of their choice.
Associate-For parents, family members, paraprofessionals and others not employed full-time in the field.
Retired-for retired professionals who have note accepted another full-time position in the field.
Premier-For those who would like to give additional support to CEC and receive some extra memberships benefits in return.
International-Same membership options as above however, additional postage fees apply.

DEC is an international community of professionals and family members all working together to support the development of young children with special needs and to create a system of support for all young children and their families.

Member benefits include:

Journal of Early Intervention
This leading early childhood research journal is focused on issues relevant to young children with disabilities and their families. Members receive JEI four times a year.
Young Exceptional Children
This highly acclaimed journal is filled with practical, read-to-use resources, and information about recommended practices. Members receive YEC four times a year.
Children's Action Network
DEC members have a voice in public policy. Receive updates on legislation, take advantage of opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts, and become involved in shaping policy that affects young children and families.
Professional Development
Learn something new at the annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families, and at DEC regional training events.
Discounts
DEC members receive discounted conference registration and a 10% discount on products ordered off DEC's web site.
Local Connections
DEC Subdivisions connect members with colleagues in state and provincial groups that offer resources and support related to local interests.
Innovative Publications
DEC publications are developed in collaboration with leaders in the field and members. Both the Recommended Practices and Monograph series offer practitioners and family members strategies that work and ideas that challenge the field.
A Network of Support
Connect with colleagues to learn more about early childhood special education. Participate in listservs, discussion groups, and forums with other professionals and family members.
An Opportunity to Share Expertise
Use DEC as a forum to share your research findings, present intriguing new ideas, and disseminate your work. Share your knowledge at the annual conference, regional training events, and in DEC publications.
International Resources
Be part of DEC and you will become part of a network of professionals and families from all over the world. Learn more about collaborative activities that impact your work and find out how you can learn from international colleagues.
Answers
Take advantage of the expertise of DEC members to find answers to your questions about young children with special needs. ASK DEC or dec@dec-sped.org, is a great resource for parents, professionals, and students, administrators and policy makers that offers quick access to DEC via email.
All CEC benefits
DEC members are also members of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), click here to learn more about additional CEC member benefits.