Special Interest Groups

DEC members can now align themselves through Special Interest Groups that are emerging and forming within DEC based on members' interests on specific topics and focus. 

SIGs are part of the restructured DEC Governance 

to provide a "home" within a home for all DEC members.

Currently, there are five SIGs that have been presented to and approved by the DEC Board:

1. Research (DEC Board Liaisons: Greg Cheatham and Megan Purcell) 
2. Professional Development (DEC Board Liaison: Kristie Pretti-Frontczac)
3. Subdivision (DEC Board Liaisons: Lisa Backer and Kristie Pretti-Frontczac)
4. Children's Action Network (DEC CAN Coordinator: Sari Gupta)
5. Early Intervention (DEC Board Liaison: Bonnie Keilty)

NOW is a  great time to be part of these groups as you can help shape and provide direction for them. 

Each SIG is provided with logistical support by the DEC Executive Office. For example, DEC staff members can help SIGs set up a listserv, dedicate a page of the DEC Website, or arrange a meeting space at the DEC annual conference.



 A member of the DEC Board also serves as a liaison for each of the SIGs to allow for direct communication between SIGs and the DEC Board. The liaison's main job is to bring back to the DEC Board issues, concerns, and recommendations from each of the SIGs. The DEC Board liaisons are not expected to lead the SIGs. It is hoped that SIG leaders would emerge from members. I included above the names of the liaisons for each of the existing SIGs. Feel free to contact them to find out more about each of the SIGs

Other than the liaisons from the DEC Board and the Executive Office, no other organizational structure is required for the SIGs. Thus each SIG can develop and form based on their members' needs. For example, a SIG can elect a chair to facilitate activities as they deem necessary, or maybe not.

I hear that a Student SIG is being planned -- this is really exciting! If you are interested in forming a SIG, it's really easy. You just need to contact one of the DEC Board members or the DEC Executive Staff to complete a Request for Board Action (RBA), which will then be submitted to the DEC Board for discussion and approval.

Find your home within our DEC home today...

Form a SIG

Join a SIG!

President’s Budget Includes $50 Million Increase for Part C!

DEC Update

February 14, 2011

President’s Budget Includes $50 Million Increase for Part C!

The President’s Budget was just released this morning and includes a $50 million increase for Part C for FFY 2012!  This is wonderful news for young children with disabilities and their families. Unfortunately, the budget includes a freeze for the 619 Preschool Program. A $200 million increase for Part B, 611 grants is also included. Part D programs were generally held to a freeze except for a Technology cut for ear-marked programs.

This is the first step in the 2012 process. The Congress and President must agree to a final figure before October 1, 2011 when the FFY 2012 year begins.  These FFY 2012 funds will determine the amount states will receive for IDEA grants on July 1, 2012.  

Additional information on the President’s FFY 2012 Budget will be provided later today.

For additional information contact Sharon Walsh, DEC Consultant at walshtaylo@aol.com

In with the new...

Results of the DEC 2011 elections are out!!

Congratulations to our newly elected DEC Board Members:

Carol Trivette (NC), Vice President (2011-2015)

 Mark Smith (NE), Treasurer (2011-2014)

Hannah Schertz (IN), Member-at-Large (2011-2014)

Carol, Mark, and Hannah bring extensive experience, energy, and enthusiasm to the DEC Board. DEC is indeed very lucky to have the level of commitment from its members. DEC members' sustained involvement in the organization ensures that we continue to thrive and be a strong voice for the professionals and families in early childhood special education and early intervention.

Carol, Mark, and Hannah will begin their term on the DEC Board on July 1, 2011.

Carol, Mark and Hannah -- thank you for stepping up and congratulations on your election! I look forward to working with you on the DEC Board.

Meeting with colleagues at NABE

I am looking forward to traveling to beautiful New Orleans next week to present at the upcoming National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) annual conference. This would mark my third time to present a this annual conference to colleagues who have a strong interest in bilingual education, early childhood, and special education.

A View of the Famous French Quarters - photo credit

This unique opportunity is made possible through a partnership among several key national organizations pulled together by the Center on the Social for Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL).

This year at NABE, I get to wear my two favorite hats as I plan to share with NABE attendees about our ongoing work on CSEFEL and relating it to DEC's Position Statement on Responsiveness to all children, families and professionals: Integrating Cultural and Linguistic Diversity into Policy and Practice.

NABE's Special Education Special Interest Group is chaired by Dr. Amy Mazur and Ms. Patricia Rice Doran who have worked tirelessly to bring forth issues of children with disabilities who are also bilingual.

Dr. Amy Mazur of George Washington University

But before I get too excited for a bowl of jambalaya, I have to remind myself it's February and I live in the Midwest. That means I keep my eye out for "typical" weather issues that seem to prop up every time I'm on travel. 

More later!!

If you haven't heard yet, the first DEC/CEC collaborative webinar was a phenomenal success! 

Thank you Kristie and Mary Ruth for a job well done!!