Call for Leadership: DEC Service Coordination Community of Practice (SC CoP)
- Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Looking to grow your leadership, expand your network, and gain national recognition in service coordination? The DEC Service Coordination Community of Practice (SC CoP) is seeking two new co-facilitators to join our leadership team.
As a co-facilitator, you’ll have the opportunity to:
shape the future of service coordination;
influence, advocate for, and support national SC practices;
be recognized as a leader in the field;
enjoy access to a strong network of support;
receive DEC volunteer discounts; and
play a key role in sustaining and guiding the work of the SC CoP.
This is a meaningful opportunity for current members ready to take the next step in their professional journey.
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 who bring experience and insight into early intervention service coordination, including service coordinators, trainers/professional development providers, faculty, or family members who have received service coordination. We are especially committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the DEC community. 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 Service Coordination CoP by Monday, September 1st, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
What is the Service Coordination Community of Practice (SC CoP)?
The Service Coordination Community of Practice (SC CoP) was created to recognize the value of service coordinators and give these important early intervention team members a professional home. The SC CoP offers service coordinators the opportunities to network with others across the nation, share SC-related resources and tips, and learn about topics relevant to providing high quality service coordination.
CoP Co-Facilitator Activities
Activities co-facilitators may assist with include:
Promoting awareness and implementation of the Joint Position Statement and related resources.
Maintaining membership lists.
Conducting periodic needs assessments.
Participating in monthly planning meetings.
Identifying and sharing resources that support service coordination.
Planning webinars and/or virtual meetings, conference sessions, and other CoP engagement opportunities to address topics of interest.
Collaborating with the National SC Leaders Group facilitators and/or participating in quarterly SC Leaders Group meetings.
CoP Facilitator Qualifications and Expectations
Ideal candidates will be:
familiar with the DEC Mission and Policies, the Joint Position Statement on Service Coordination in Early Intervention, and the Knowledge and Skills for Service Coordinators;
passionate about advancing high-quality service coordination across systems and settings; and
eager to engage and support members of the CoP through thoughtful planning, meaningful activities, and inclusive leadership.
Co-facilitators must:
Be a DEC member or willing to become one. (learn how to join here.)
Contribute a minimum of 2–5 volunteer hours per month
Commit to the role for a minimum of 2 years, with a 2–3-year commitment being ideal.
Not currently hold, or anticipate holding, another leadership position within DEC.
Bring unique perspectives, ideas, and strategies for engagement, collaboration, and capacity-building within the CoP.
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
Questions
If you have questions, please contact Melissa Hardison (Melissa.Hardison@ky.gov) and Nicole Edwards (edwardsn@rowan.edu).
Apply Here
If you're ready to take the next step in your professional journey, we encourage you to express your interest by completing this form by Monday, September 1st, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The selected co-facilitators will be contacted after the existing facilitator(s) 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 Fall 2025.
We hope you’ll consider this chance to grow as a leader and contribute meaningfully to the Service Coordination CoP and the broader DEC community.
