DEC 2012-2013

It's a new year for DEC Governance, begun July 1, 2012. In transitioning to this new year, Kristie and Bonnie are jointly crafting this blog. With the new year, we have gained new board members, with fresh energy and ideas -- Juliann Woods, Vice President (Florida), Susan Connor, Treasurer (Illinois), Misty Goosen, Secretary (Kansas), and Michael Barla, Member-at-Large (Missouri). We also said goodbye to long-standing board members Amy Santos, Past President (Illinois), Rob Corso, Treasurer (Colorado), Lisa Backer, Secretary (Minnesota), and Diana Valle-Riestra, Member-at-Large (Florida). We thank them for their hard work over the last few years, and know that they will continue to serve DEC well in numerous ways.

Also with this new year comes DEC's full transition to policy governance. You will see some changes in the way DEC does its work -- both the board and the Executive Office. We hope that you will use this blog as an opportunity to comment and ask questions about any changes you see or wonderings on how DEC is specifically implementing policy governance. We'd love to get a conversation going!

Did you know that you can sign up to follow the blog with email alerts. See the right side of the page to sign up.

We encourage you to review the blog from May 2012 to get an overview of what policy governance means to DEC members.

  

DEC Conference
There will be multiple opportunities to engage with board members about policy governance, as well as provide your input on DEC Ends (or outcomes to be achieved) during DEC's 28th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families. This year's theme is Realizing the Vision. The conference is a great time for the early intervention/early childhood special education field to come together to learn, share, and discuss current and innovative ways to translate vision into action, and action into achievement. Our keynote, Sondra Samuels of Northside Achievement Zone is not to be missed. We also have some new formats for the conference to build interaction among presenters and attendees and tools to support implementation of recommended practices.

We are also looking to recognize deserving colleagues at the 2012 conference awards luncheon. To learn more about how to nominate someone you know for a DEC award - visit our website. If you have questions or concerns - please contact Kristie directly (kprettif@kent.edu). To learn more about the history of DEC awards check out the DEC YouTube channel.

Nominations to DEC Board
A key to the success of our organization is strong leadership on the DEC excutive board. Please consider nominating yourself, a student, or a colleague who is interested in taking on a leadership position - the deadline is AUGUST 15th!

DEC Seeks Members Who:

·       Have strong leadership skills and experiences, preferably at the DEC subdivision or special interest group level, or through national committee representation.

·       Support the goals and mission of DEC and are willing to develop expertise regarding Policy Governance.

·       Seek to make a lasting contribution to the longevity of the organization and its impact on the field

2012/2013 Vacancies:
   
             Vice President (Four 1 year terms as Vice President, President-Elect, President, and Past-
             President)

Governor (3-year term)

Member-at-Large (2 positions) (3-year term)

Who is Qualified:

• DEC members in good standing.
• Leaders with a passion for the work of our organization.
• Individuals who have the time to serve DEC. Executive Board members contribute more than 100 hours yearly to Board service in addition to time required for meeting preparation and attendance.

To Nominate:

To learn more about roles and responsibilities or to nominate a colleague (or yourself), send name, contact information, and brief description of qualifications to: Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Chair, Nomination Committee, kprettif@kent.edu

The entire 2012-2013 DEC Board looks forward to an exciting year representing and collaborating with our members to continue to meet DEC's vision: that young children with disabilities and other special needs participate as full members of families and communities and benefit from competent, informed, and connected professionals, families, and policy makers.

Bonnie Keilty, DEC President 2012-2013
Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, DEC Past President 2012-2013