Introducing DEC's 2012/2013 Secretary

Misty Goosen

Misty is a member of the Kansas Multi-Tiered System of Supports Core Team, and Advisory Team. She is a current member, and past President of the Kansas Division of Early Childhood (2003-2004), and was awarded the KDEC 2008 Award of Excellence for making significant contributions to the field.  In her role with KDEC and KITS, Misty has chaired and/or organized numerous conferences (e.g. KDEC, Transitioning into Developmentally Appropriate Practice, KITS Annual Summer Institute), and participated in activities such as Head Start/Early Head Start monitoring, and NAEYC-Validation.  Misty provides training and technical assistance throughout Kansas, and has authored many papers and presentations as a part of her work with KITS. 

As the incoming Secretary, Misty plans to focus on 1) the integration of the DEC Recommended Practices into current work and initiatives (e.g. RTI), 2) improve membership recruitment and retention (especially of young professionals), and 3) strengthen the ability of DEC to integrate research in a way that is meaningful and reproducible in the work that early childhood professionals carry out every day.  

 Welcome Misty!!!

Introducing DEC's 2012/2013 Vice President

Over the next several posts, I'll be using the President's blog to introduce you to newly elected board members. Their official term begins July 1, 2012; however, please take the time to get to know them and to congratulate them.

2012/2013 DEC Vice President

Juliann Woods

Juliann is a Professor at Florida State University in the School of Communication Science and Disorders where she teaches interdisciplinary coursework in early intervention and autism. She also directs the Communication and Early Childhood Research and Practice Center and is on the faculty of the FSU Autism Institute where she is engaged in research and professional development projects focusing on family-guided routines-based and early social communication intervention for young children with ASD.

As the incoming Vice President, Juliann aims to share the value of the DEC organization with others and to help attract more participation. She is also interested in exploring the use of technology and its various applications to expand DEC’s visibility and impact.  Her campaign promise was to work hard for the DEC membership if selected to serve. 

Thanks Juliann...DEC is lucky to have such a dedicated member serving on our Board.

Story Behind DEC Awards

Each year DEC honors individuals who are making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.  In fact, as an organization we have 5 annual awards. Click here to learn about the 2011 recipients, and click on the names of each award below to learn the story behind the award.


Rose C. Engel Award for Excellence in Professional Practice

Given to a DEC member who is a practicing professional and whose primary role is serving young children with special needs and their families.This special award is given to honor Rose Engel, DEC’s first President, whose leadership has shaped DEC as an organization. Nominees are expected to meet the high standards of professional practice set by Rose Engel.

J. David Sexton Doctoral Student Award

Given to a DEC member and doctoral level student whose contributions include research, higher education, publications, policy, and information dissemination.  This award is named in honor of J. David Sexton because of his passionate commitment to doctoral leadership preparation.  The award is given to person who embodies the leadership characteristics Dr. Sexton possessed and worked to nurture in others.


Mary McEvoy Service to the Field Award

Given to a parent, community member, or professional who has made notable and significant national or international contributions to the field of early childhood special education. It is given in memory of Mary McEvoy who was a leader in the early childhood special education field.


Merle B. Karnes Award for Service to the Division

Given to a DEC member who has made a significant contribution to the Division in areas of leadership, service, research, advocacy, or publications. This award is given in honor of Dr. Merle Karnes who served the Division of Early Childhood for many years as a member of the Executive Board and as the founder and first editor of the Journal for Early Intervention.  


Kathleen W. McCartan Award

Given to undergraduate or masters level students who have made significant contributions through their service to the field, community, and professional organizations. This award is given in memory of Kathleen McCartan who was a leader in the field of personnel preparation and served for many years on the Executive Board of DEC.

Journey in Using Monograph 13

As mentioned in a previous blog (which has more to do with my day job than my time as President of DEC), I'm planning to use the Young Exceptional Children Monograph #13 as a required text to support student learning in my assessment and evaluation course at Kent State University this spring.

Young Exceptional Children: Monograph 13

This coming week I'm going to preview the monograph's contents with students so they understand why the monograph was developed and how all the major assessment purposes and issues facing those working in EI/ECSE are covered.

Then, each time one of the article is assigned or used in class - I'm going to ask students to reflect here (in the blog) instead of in our course management system. The idea is to spark conversation among those working in the field and with families as we all consider appropriate assessment practices with young children.

Feel free to comment, to have your own students comment, and/or to share the blog entries with others.