Call for DEC Community of Practice (CoP) Development Committee Members
UPDATE: Apply by Friday, May 5th, 2023 for consideration. Complete the application here.
Join the Community of Practice Development Committee on Thursday, April 27th, 2023, 1:30 PM Eastern Time for a Q&A Session. If you're interested in applying, please don't hesitate to attend! Register here.
The DEC Community of Practice (CoP) Development Committee is recruiting up to 3 members. We seek DEC members with background, knowledge, and experience in developing and facilitating communities of practice in early childhood intervention and/or early childhood special education who can: 1) participate in monthly CoP Development Committee meetings, 2) help develop and provide guidance to the DEC Executive Office in relation to evidence-based practices in leading a CoP, and 3) offer support to new and existing DEC CoPs and their facilitators.
We invite you to take this opportunity to become an engaged and active leader within DEC! Former DEC CoP Facilitators are welcome to apply. Current DEC CoP Facilitators may also apply if they 1) meet the qualifications and expectations outlined below, 2) have a plan to transition out of their current role as CoP facilitator within one year, and 3) are able to manage the increased time commitment as a volunteer in the interim. Members representative of the diversity of DEC’s membership, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability, are encouraged to apply. Further, we seek applicants who represent all member categories (e.g., practitioners, families, higher education faculty, etc.) with varied experiences from a variety of organizations (e.g., B-3 agencies, public and private schools, universities).
What is the DEC CoP Development Committee?
The DEC CoP Development Committee offers overall guidance and support to every DEC CoP, including providing information on how to form and lead a CoP using evidence-informed practices, group and individual support to facilitators, and organization of CoP activities.
Activities may include:
developing guidance documents/materials for CoP facilitators that ensure equity, inclusive practices, and diverse perspectives are welcomed and encouraged within DEC CoP activities;
creating professional development opportunities/products for new and existing CoP facilitators;
serving as coaches to CoP facilitators individually and as a group;
organizing and facilitating CoP facilitator meetings/professional development in partnership with the Executive Office;
communicating regularly with CoP leaders;
seeking input from the Executive Office and Executive Board CoP liaison for any activities CoPs are engaged in that may be perceived as speaking on behalf of the DEC organization or activities in which CoPs request EO/EB input;
determining, along with other CoP leaders, initiatives and programs that CoPs will coordinate at the national DEC Conference; and
coordinating all activities for CoP initiatives and programs at the DEC Conference.
DEC CoP Development Committee Composition
The DEC CoP Development Committee consists of professional members who have demonstrated a strong interest in developing, growing, and sustaining CoPs for professionals working in early childhood special education and/or early intervention. The membership is made up of DEC members in good standing. Members who apply to serve volunteer their time and are not considered members of the DEC Executive Board.
DEC CoP Development Committee Member Qualifications and Expectations
Must be a DEC member in good standing
Is, or has been, a participant of a DEC CoP or former Special Interest Group (SIG)
Have a strong interest in developing, growing and sustaining CoPs as a facilitator
Have knowledge of the DEC Organizational Structure ,Priorities Issues Agenda Ends Policies, and Racial Equity Assessment
Willing to serve a two or three-year term with possible reappointment
Attend and contribute to committee work and virtual meetings
Make the necessary time commitment (average 5 hours/month with opportunity to increase pending Committee tasks and activities)
DEC Committees
The DEC CoP Development Committee functions as a necessary and significant arm of the DEC Executive Office. DEC’s Committees are officially recognized bodies of DEC members that are supported by the DEC Executive Office and are liaised by members of the DEC Executive Board. DEC Committees embrace and support the division’s formal positions and proactively participate in developing, maintaining, and evolving strategies and initiatives crucial and central to supporting DEC’s mission and ends policies. For more information on how DEC Committees fit within the organization view this organizational chart.
Apply by Friday, May 5th, 2023 for consideration. Complete the application here.
