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 6th, 2026 | New Proposed Rule for Head Start Performance Standards On August 6th, as had been expected for months, the administration released its proposed rule modifying the Head Start program performance standards. DEC is in the process of reviewing the proposed rule and will prepare comments in relation to its impact on young children experiencing disabi

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

Dear DEC Members and Partners, On June 16th, 2026, the Department of Education released a new Stakeholder Letter regarding the restructuring of the Department. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) will partner with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the administration of programs for infants, toddlers, children, students, and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will collaborate wi