DEC Talks: The Power of the “Why” in Inclusive Early Childhood

DEC Talks, the podcast from the Division for Early Childhood, brings you thoughtful conversations on inclusion in early childhood, early intervention, and early childhood special education. Each episode features stories from the field, expert insights, and reflections from leaders and practitioners who are shaping more equitable systems for infants, toddlers, young children and their families.

In this episode of DEC Talks, The Power of the “Why” in Inclusive Early Childhood, we share selected reflections from the 2025 Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Award Winners. These excerpts highlight moments where award recipients spoke directly about their motivation, purpose, and the values that guide their work in inclusion in early childhood, early intervention, and early childhood special education.

Featuring voices of educators, family leaders, researchers, and mentors, this episode centers one guiding question: What is the “why” that sustains this work?

Listeners are invited to reflect on the relationships, experiences, and commitments that shape inclusive early childhood systems, and the reasons they stay connected to this field.

To learn more about the values and practices reflected in this episode, access the complete 2025 DEC Awards Ceremony and Award Program, the DEC Recommended Practices, and DEC’s Racial Equity Point of View.

Tune in to each new episode to learn, reflect, and connect with the community of educators, advocates, and families leading the way toward meaningful, lasting inclusion.