The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is pleased to announce a yearlong virtual doctoral Internship to support the activities of the DEC Executive Office.

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Roles/Responsibilities The intern will contribute to the operational, administrative, and strategic activities of the DEC Executive Office. Core responsibilities include:

• Supporting 2–3 DEC Committees through ongoing logistical coordination, meeting planning, and communication with committee chairs.

• Proactively scheduling and facilitating regular check-ins with committee chairs and serving as their point of contact for organizational and procedural support.

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date committee membership rosters, including term dates, in coordination with committee chairs and DEC leadership.

• Assisting with key DEC projects, publications, conference-related tasks, and other assignments aligned with organizational priorities and the intern’s professional interests.

• Upholding and modeling DEC’s mission, vision, Racial Equity Point of View, and organizational ground rules in all interactions and meetings.

• Representing DEC with professionalism and elevating any concerns from committee members or external partners to the Executive Office for guidance and resolution.

• Coordinating planned absences with the Executive Office and committee chairs, including preparing a coverage plan.

Training will be provided for DEC systems and platforms, including DEC Collaborate, Zoom functions, and other project-management tools.

Qualifications Desired DEC is seeking applicants who meet the following qualifications:

• Current doctoral study in early childhood, early childhood special education, or a closely related field.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate the digital platforms DEC uses for meetings, collaboration, and project coordination.

• Excellent communication, initiative, follow-through, and organizational skills.

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Time Commitment and Additional Information The assistantship spans one year. The intern will contribute approximately 4–6 hours per week, with increased time commitments from May through October during conference preparation.

The position includes a quarterly stipend.

DEC welcomes applications from fully funded doctoral students and will coordinate with institutions as needed.

Attendance at the DEC Annual Conference is required. When assigned to support DEC at the conference or other events, all related travel expenses are covered. The intern will be supervised by the DEC Executive Office.

Application Submission Information Applications are currently being accepted on an ongoing basis. Please submit your application here.

In your cover letter, please include the following:

• DEC Member Number

• Doctoral Program

• Doctoral Advisor – Please submit your advisor's email address. Your advisor will be asked to submit a letter acknowledging your application and their approval of submission.

• A brief statement explaining the qualifications that you bring to this position and your interest to serve in this role.

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Selection Process All applications will be reviewed by the DEC Executive Office. Select candidates will be invited to interview.

Skills Gained The intern will gain meaningful experience in national-level project coordination, committee operations, organizational leadership, and collaborative decision-making. They will also strengthen logistical, administrative, and professional communication skills while working closely with DEC leaders across the country.