Equity in Early Childhood

Learn how DEC foundational principles support working with practitioners and families in early childhood. Centering equity in the work and bringing underrepresented voices into the conversation supports high-quality services. 

Peggy Kemp, Executive Director, DEC

Sheresa Blanchard

Behaviors that Challenge Adults in Early Childhood

Join us for the most recent information and tools on behaviors that challenge adults serving young children, including young children with diagnosed disabilities. Explore bias, perspectives across cultures, and explore tools for success from DEC and partner programs. 

Kerri Kannengieser

Tanya Hutchinson

Stephanie McAvoy

What can the DEC Standards, DEC Recommended Practices, and the HLPs do to help me improve outcomes for the families we serve? 

Learn more about how the DEC Standards, DEC Recommended Practices, and HLPs can support faculty, students and TA providers, administrators, and EI/ECSE Teams in 0-5.

Peggy Kemp, Executive Director, DEC

Christine Spence

Inclusion in 0-5

Which knowledge, skills, and practices lead to inclusion of young children with diagnosed disability and developmental delays with a variety of support and service needs? How can you support inclusive environments as an educator? a special educator? administrator? 

Serra Acar

LaShorage Shaffer

What is new at the Division For Early Childhood?

Wondering where to find the best resources for supporting young children 0-8 and their families? The Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children is dedicated to this mission. Learn more about our updated mission and vision as well as new resources services, and supports to support your work at the 0-8 age

Hsiu-wen Yang

Victor-James Young

Supporting Principals and Early Childhood Leaders to Improve Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

Engaging principals and early childhood leaders to improve outcomes for children with disabilities can be challenging for special education leaders for multiple reasons. Join experts from the Lead IDEA Center and the PROGRESS Center to gain resources and learn about services designed to support school and early childhood leaders to meet the needs of all children. The session highlights targeted strategies and shares universally available resources leaders can leverage.

Participants will:

1. Gain knowledge to build and sustain learning systems so children can maximize their learning potential
2. Learn strategies to enhance collaboration between special and general educators
3. Access tools and resources to effectively implement IDEA

Objectives:

1. Explore the essential knowledge and skills, to build and sustain learning systems where children with disabilities can thrive.
2. Learn strategies that support leaders’ ability to leverage all staff to fulfill students’ Individualized Education Programs.
3. Leverage tools and resources that help principals and early childhood leaders effectively implement IDEA.

Donna Waltham

Timara Davis, PhD

Fostering Global Conversations: Enhancing Cultural Responsiveness in Special Education: Birth through Adulthood

Join us for a session hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) to explore the innovative cross-division project "Critical Global Conversations." This session will introduce a groundbreaking video podcast series designed to support youth, families, and educators in adopting culturally responsive and sustaining practices. The project is a collaborative effort between the Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES), the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT), the Division of Arts in Special Education (DARTS), and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC). Learn about the project's goals, methodologies, and collaborative efforts across these divisions. Discover practical strategies, research-based insights, and activities that you can implement in your educational settings to promote inclusivity and equity from birth through adulthood. Engage with experts and gain valuable resources to enhance your professional practice and support ALL students with Disabilities!

Rebekka Jez, Associate Professor, University of San Diego, DISES President

Juliann B. Dorff, Emeritus Senior Lecturer, Art Education - Kent State University

Stacie Dojonovic Schutzman, Assistant Teaching Professor - University of Kansas, DCDT Executive Director

Peggy Kemp, Ph.D., Executive Director Division for Early Childhood

Alfred W. Daviso, Ph. D., Professor – Intervention Specialist at The University of Akron