Call for Community of Practice Co-Facilitator: Research Community of Practice
- Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
The DEC Research Community of Practice (CoP) is recruiting a new co-facilitator to assist existing facilitator, Jessica Amsbary, in her duties beginning in January 2025. This is an opportunity for existing Research CoP members to level up their leadership and help ensure the sustainability of the CoP through future leadership transitions.
Members representative of the diversity of DEC membership are encouraged to apply, including race, ethnicity, culture, language, dialect, age, ability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion/spirituality, and national origin. We seek representation of geography, organizations, agencies, universities, and experience. We seek members representing all member categories (practitioners, family members, higher education faculty, etc.). Applicants should be/become knowledgeable about the DEC Mission, Vision, Policies, and Racial Equity Point of View. Co-Facilitators will be required to be current DEC members or to join DEC if they have not already.
Please complete this form to indicate your interest in co-facilitating the Research CoP by Friday, January 24th, 2024, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The selected co-facilitator will be contacted after the existing facilitators have an opportunity to review applications with the DEC CoP Development Committee and the Executive Office. The selected CoP co-facilitator can anticipate a start date in their new role in January or February of 2025.
What is the Research Community of Practice (Research CoP)?
The Research CoP brings together individuals interested in current research in early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE). Shared interests and practices contribute to the birth-8 early EI/ECSE research field by increasing knowledge of EI/ECSE research, initiatives and topics. Research also aids in supporting institutions of higher education by providing accessible courses and professional development around EI/ECSE research methods and processes, as well as exploring funding opportunities and grant development for EI/ECSE research activities.
CoP Co-Facilitator Activities
Activities co-facilitators may assist with include:
1) ongoing outreach and awareness of the research occuring in and impacting EI/ECSE
2) Monthly meetings to plan/prepare for future Research CoP activities,
3) identification, creation and sharing of EI/ECSE research related resources, and
4) planning/preparing for future web conversations, conference presentations, etc.
CoP Facilitator Qualifications and Expectations
Co-facilitators of the EI CoP:
must understand the shared interests/practices of the groups’ members related to EI/ECSE research;
should bring a diverse and unique perspective, knowledge, and/or skills to the CoP and have good ideas about how to engage and support members as a facilitator (e.g. multifaceted ways to connect/participate, development of subgroups, co-creating tools/resources, etc.);
must be able to commit a minimum of 2-4 volunteer hours each month to sustain the level of activity/involvement of members for two to three years; and
should not currently hold (or anticipate holding) a leadership position elsewhere in DEC.
Benefits of Becoming a CoP Co-Facilitator
Level up your leadership and gain new knowledge, skills, and a network of support
Collaborate with fellow professional members, family members, and partnering communities of practice, committees, or organizations who share your interests
Receive guidance and support from the DEC CoP Development Committee and participate in a CoP for DEC CoP facilitators who learn with/from one another
Serve in an advisory capacity to an international professional organization as you share CoP updates and relay priorities and needs expressed by community members
Grow in your own ability to lead and influence change and advocacy efforts
Receive discounted access to DEC Professional Development Opportunities
Discounted registration for DEC’s Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families - 50% off
Discounted registration for DEC Virtual Institutes - 50% off
Discounted access to DEC live and recorded webinars (e.g. DEC Learning Decks) - 100% off
What is a DEC Community of Practice?
DEC Communities of Practice are groups of professionals and families consisting of DEC members and nonmembers. Communities of Practice are formed around specific interest and practice areas to foster connections, further knowledge, and engage in conversations and activities around a common interest. Communities of Practice are a critical component of the DEC Mission.
CoP Co-Facilitators and CoP Members are not considered members of the DEC Executive Board.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Jessica Amsbary (amsbary@med.unc.edu) or Nicole Edwards (edwardsn@rowan.edu).
We also welcome you to ask questions during the scheduled 30-minute live Q&A. If interested, please join us on Wednesday, December 18th from 1:00pm – 1:30pm Eastern Time. Register here.
