Call for Leadership: DEC Family Partnership Community of Practice (FP CoP)
- Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The DEC Family Partnership Community of Practice is recruiting two new co-facilitators. This is an opportunity for the family members involved in the DEC community and/or professionals who are also family members to level up their leadership and help ensure the CoP's sustainability 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.
Complete this form to indicate your interest in co-facilitating the Family Partnership CoP by Thursday, January 15th, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The selected facilitators will be contacted after the existing DEC Family Committee members 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 February 2026.
Are you interested in becoming a Family Partnership CoP Facilitator and have some questions before applying? Please email the DEC Executive Office at dec@dec-sped.org.
What is the Family Partnership Community of Practice?
Family Partnership Community of Practice is a place for family members of young children with disabilities and professionals in the field to exchange knowledge and information to affirm the expertise of both family members and professionals. Our purpose is to focus on family-centered topics, share resources, and increase family and professional engagement to increase both groups’ knowledge and practice around collaborative supports for young children.
Community members will be empowered to bridge the gap between families and professionals by influencing each other in a way that supports full community participation and desired outcomes for young children with disabilities. Resources and learning opportunities will be available.
CoP Co-Facilitator Activities
Activities co-facilitators may assist with include:
1) ongoing outreach and awareness of the DEC Family Partnership [CoP Related Materials Published by DEC, DEC Partner Organizations, OSEP, etc.],
2) a minimum of quarterly meetings to plan/prepare for future Family Partnership CoP activities,
3) identification, creation, and sharing of Family Partnership CoP related resources, and
4) planning/preparing for future web conversations and conference presentations, etc.
CoP Facilitator Qualifications and Expectations
Co-facilitators of the Family Partnership CoP:
must understand the shared interests/practices of the group‘s members recommended practices;
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 2-3 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?
Are you interested in becoming a Family Partnership CoP Facilitator and have some questions before applying? Please email the DEC Executive Office at dec@dec-sped.org.
