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

Stay informed with the latest DEC policy and advocacy news, federal updates, action alerts, and advocacy resources. Check back regularly for timely information and opportunities to engage in advancing equitable early intervention and early childhood special education. July 14th, 2026 | Senators Introduce Child Care Fraud Prevention Legislation Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the Strengthening Transparency and

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

Join DEC and your fellow community members for DEC Coffee Chats Policy and Advocacy Special Edition - Tuesdays and Thursdays every other week through December 2026! We will discuss current policy issues and share resources. Each chat will begin with 20-30 minutes of federal updates followed by time for you to connect with your peers. Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend! DEC Coffee and Policy Chats are not recorded to help facilitate a space for open discussion

Join the Division for Early Childhood this summer for the DEC Virtual Institute, a three-day virtual learning experience, Wednesday, June 10th through Friday, June 12th, 2026! The DEC Summer Institute will focus on inclusion that goes beyond access to true belonging for young children in home, school, and community settings. Together, participants will explore how professionals, families, and systems can ensure young children truly belong across home, school, and community en

Join us for the Division for Early Childhood's 43rd Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families, Tuesday, September 28th - Friday, October 1st, 2027, in Virginia Beach, Virginia! Download the Save the Date Flyer

Register interest and intent to attend Camp ECI 2026 by May 15th, 2026 here. What if professional learning felt like summer camp again? The excitement of being with friends, trying something new, learning without pressure, and leaving feeling accomplished, refreshed, and ready for what's next. Welcome to Camp ECI 2026 June 23rd-25th, 2026 - Avon, Connecticut An immersive summer experience designed for faculty in early childhood, early intervention, and early childhood special