Integrating Research and Practice in Early Childhood Intervention - A Joint Conference from the International Society on Early Intervention and the Division for Early Childhood

Share your expertise with attendees at this year's conference. DEC is seeking proposals for the following conference strands: By Practitioners for Practitioners, Family, International, Policy, Practice, Professional Development, and Research! Session types include three hour pre-conference workshops, poster sessions, student poster sessions, and 60- or 90-minute conference sessions. Learn more about the proposal process here. The deadline to submit a proposal is March 15th, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The DEC Policy and Advocacy Committee (P&AC) is recruiting four members for its Policy Strand Team and four members for its Advocacy Strand Team. DEC’s Policy and Advocacy Committee provides strategic direction and makes recommendations for DEC’s policy and advocacy efforts. We invite you to take this opportunity to become an engaged and active leader within DEC! Open to DEC Members - Learn more about the committee and how to apply here.

The Policy and Advocacy Community of Practice (P&ACoP) brings together a national network of individuals who are committed to deepening their knowledge of and engagement in public policies that affect young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families. Community members have a passion for and understand that advocacy is a powerful mechanism for proactively influencing the policy process. The community provides a space where members share information about state/local public policy issues and engage with supportive peers to identify advocacy-based solutions.

Reflective Parenting 

Thursday, February 24th, 2022, 3:00 PM Eastern Time - Register here.

This workshop will look at reflective functioning in parents as well as in the professionals who work with them. This exploration will include how we understand reflective processes, how they relate to the brain, and how they help us to make meaning. We will also examine how reflective practice helps us to build a better understanding of others, allows us to repair misunderstandings, and how it is essential for healthy social emotional development. Presented by Nina Newman, PhD.

Monday, March 21st, 2022, 2:00 PM Eastern Time - Register here.

Join us to learn about the components of social emotional goals and how to incorporate family strengths into goal writing. We will discuss how the Pyramid Model relates to goal writing. Training will be an interactive and engaging experience. Participants will have an opportunity to practice goal writing using vignette scenarios together in break out groups. Presented by Naomi Grinney, LCSW.

Part 1 - Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, 2:00 PM Eastern Time - Register here.

Part 2 - Thursday, April 28th, 1:00 PM Eastern Time - Register here.

Two Part Series on Time Management and Organizational Strategies for Service Coordinators to build awareness of time management and organizational tools available to support the implementation of the Knowledge and Skills for Service Coordinators used to support and guide the Part C programs while fulfilling the federal requirement of service coordination. Facilitated by Shawna Gurney, Maine; Heather Waters, Utah; Melissa Hardison, Kentucky; Sarah Nichols, Illinois; and Beth Friedman, Pennsylvania.

Thursday, February 24th, 2022, 5:00 to 6:00 PM Eastern Time - Register here.

This webinar session will focus on the implications and issues conducting international/cross-country research. In this session, the presenters will discuss several ethical and methodological issues to consider when conducting research with children with disabilities and their families outside of the US. This learning deck will address DEC recommended practices: TC2; L3, as well as the translation and adaptation guidelines developed by the DEC International Committee. Presented by:

Serra Acar, PhD; James Lee, PhD; Hsiu-Wen Yang, PhD; and Ching-I Chen, PhD. Learning Deck webinars are open to all. Discounts are available for groups and DEC members. Learn more here.

Building on U.N. frameworks and evidence-based practice, countries across the globe are recognizing the need to provide timely, high-quality early intervention (EI) and inclusive early childhood special education (ECSE) services. Monograph 18 highlights innovative international EI/ECSE approaches that address rights, access, equitable service delivery, DEC Recommended Practices, and inclusive early childhood education. Purchase this publication from the DEC bookstore here. Discounts are available for DEC members and bulk purchases - email DEC for your discount code.

DEC is thrilled to announce the introduction of the Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act (HR. 6532) - a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would restore full funding for IDEA Part C, Part B and 619 services. We especially extend our gratitude to Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), and Jared Huffman (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for their leadership, their continuing commitment to young children and their families and for introducing this important bill! It is a culmination of intensive efforts with our many partners and advocates. 

The Department of Education (Department) published a Notice of Proposed Priority (NPP) for the State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG; 84.323) in the Federal Register February 1st, 2022. The Department is taking this action to focus attention on the need to improve results for children with disabilities and their families by supporting a comprehensive system of personnel development (CSPD) for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Grants for Infants and Families program. You can use www.regulations.gov to submit your comments electronically. Learn more.

There are currently 63 job listings from 48 employers located all over the United States. Visit the DEC Career Center to learn more.

Support DEC with AmazonSmile! Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Division for Early Childhood. Sign in with your Amazon ID and password and choose Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children when selecting your charity.

www.dec-sped.org