1. THE DIVISION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

2. DEC is a division of The Council For Exceptional Children (CEC) DEC supports those who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, age 0-8 and their families We are dedicated to promoting policies and practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of children.

3. WE ARE COMMITTED! 1.To promoting parent-professional collaboration 2.To advocating for policy, planning and best practice in prevention and intervention 3.To supporting those who work with or on behalf of infants and young children with special needs and their families by promoting: Collaboration and communication among organizations, practitioners and family members Innovations in research and the development of new knowledge Dissemination and use of information about research, resources, best practices, and current issues Professional development through an array of activities and strategies

4. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES These practices result in positive changes in child development and learning, family functioning, and attitudes DEC’s Recommended Practices guide practitioners, parents, and faculty members Recommended Practices are based on both scientific evidence and experiential knowledge DEC has identified evidenced-based practices that work!

5. PUBLIC POLICY Children’s Action Network (CAN) A communication network that develops and maintains a system for communicating and sharing information with DEC members Effects governmental changes at the local, state, provincial, and federal levels IDEA Partnerships Deliver a common message about the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Inform professionals, families, and the public about IDEA and strategies to improve educational results for children and youth with disabilities

6. Early intervention specialists PARENTS Early Childhood Professionals Researchers Administrators Higher Education Faculty Health Care Professionals Occupational, physical, and speech therapists Social Workers Psychologists DEC MEMBERS ARE: AND YOU!

7. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Quarterly journals Annual international conference An extensive policy and advocacy network Listservs Publications October 25-28, 2007! Regional training events

8. HOW CAN I JOIN? DEC members are also members of the Council for Exceptional Children! Division for Early Childhood 27 Fort Missoula Road Suite 2 Missoula, MT 59804 dec@dec-sped.org Request Membership Materials! Write to: Call:(406) 543-0872 OR

9. THE DIVISION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD