Your comprehensive source for the latest DEC policy news, federal updates, action alerts, and advocacy resources. October 2026 October 7th, 2026 | DEC Urges HHS to Withdraw Proposed Head Start Rule and Preserve Protections for Children with Disabilities; 40,087 Comments Submitted from Organizations Across the US From DEC Executive Director Peggy Kemp, PhD: Thank you for your advocacy! 40,087 comments were submitted on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) “Reducing Federal

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