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

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 inclusive, equitable, and meaningful learning experiences for young children with special rights and needs from birth through kindergarten. We are seeking articles that translate resear

Your comprehensive source for the latest DEC policy news, federal updates, action alerts, and advocacy resources. August 13th, 2026 | Day of Action: Tell Congress to Protect Head Start The Administration has proposed changes to Head Start and Early Head Start requirements that could eliminate important protections and supports for children and families—including child-to-staff ratios, services for pregnant and postpartum families, mental health services, and other comprehensi

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

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DEC, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA), invites you to join us for a 5-session workforce webinar taking place August through October 2026. This 5-session webinar series provides state and local leaders with practical, evidence-based strategies to effectively recruit, retain, and sustain a strong workforce in early childhood education, early intervention, and early childhood special education. Drawing on resources from the Early Chil

Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children welcomes the following newly elected Executive Board Members: Vice President • Shameka Brown, MSEd, I/ECMHC, DT Treasurer • Darla Gundler, MA Secretary • Cami Stevenson, MS Family Member-at-Large • Kesha Harris Member-at-Large • Morgan Durand Horvath, MEd Shameka Brown, MSEd, I/ECMHC, DT - Vice President Shameka C. Brown, MSEd, is a dedicated early childhood leader, family advocate, professional development

If you missed the live 2026 DEC Virtual Summer Institute, it's not too late! You can now purchase on-demand access to every recorded session from this year's institute, Inclusion: Beyond Access to True Belonging, and watch at your convenience through September 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Whether you're looking for practical strategies to implement immediately or professional learning you can complete on your own schedule, this on-demand experience gives you access to

The Division for Early Childhood is delighted to announce Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu as the opening keynote speaker for DEC's 42nd Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families, taking place Monday, October 26th– Thursday, October 29th, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. Across early intervention, early childhood special education, higher education, leadership, and family engagement, DEC members share a commitment to creating inclusive communiti