★ On October 21st, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released a policy brief on the use of technology with early learners to help families implement active, meaningful and socially interactive learning. The brief includes a call to action for researchers and technology developers, highlighting topics for futher research and encouraging the development of research-based products.
★ On October 20th, the U.S Department of Education released non-regulatory guidance to help ensure young children from birth through third-grade get the strong start they need to achieve success in school and in life. This is the Department's first comprehensive look at how the nation's new education law supports our youngest learners.
★ On October 12th, the U.S. Department of Education published regulations in teacher preparation. The regulations build on progress happening across the country and take into account the extensive and valuable feedback shared with the Department since draft rules were first released.
Other updates, courtesy of the Council for Exceptional Children:
Consider reaching out to candidates in the 2016 election, including those for local, state, and federal office, by asking them targeted questions about their views and plans for early childhood. Check out the
Save the Children Action Network for ideas and prompts you can use.
DEC
POLICY
&
ADVOCACY
NEWS
DEC is still seeking a new Policy Council Chair! Ashley Lyons has served as Council Chair since its inception in 2014, but will now be transitioning into a new role at DEC focused on building up the Children's Action Network. DEC believes strongly in building leadership, and it is time for a new chair to continue the important work of planning and supporting DEC policy and advocacy activities that reflect the formal position of DEC, including developing and maintaining strategies and initiatives that are central to supporting DEC's missions and believes. Please consider applying today!
The application will remain open until filled.
Thanks to everyong who made the DEC 2016 conference a success! Select resources from policy and advocacy specific sessions will be made available at decpolicy.org in the near future.
We continue to seek new members who are interested in supporting our work. New members to the Council will be considered "at-large" and will shadow exhisting members to ensure a smooth transition. If you want to stay up-to-date about what is happening in the field and within DEC and would like to lend your voice, please complete the application survey so we can match you to opportunities that firs tbest with you interests, experience, and availabiliy.
★ Will you pledge to take action to contact your representatives and senators to improve IDEA funding for early childhood intervention and early intervention in the continuing resolution (CR) when prompted?
Please note that all story submissions must be non-partisan in nature. If you are interested in guidance on how to craft your story and/or how to ensure it is non-partisan, Ashley Lyons will be happy to help! Selected stories will be shared in a future issue of YES DEC CAN!
