Abstract
Spring always provides DEC with the occasion to engage with our larger, parent organization, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), at the annual convention. The convention is large—really huge actually, and provides an opportunity to see special education as a whole including across age groups, professional types and disciplines, content areas, families’ experiences, and from individual programs to international topics. This reminds us of how DEC is one very important part of the larger world that embodies equitable and inclusive experiences for all children with disabilities and developmental delays, their families, and the many professionals that have chosen to serve people with disabilities, their families, and communities. In addition to interacting with people from around the world, we also connect with and learn from the other special interest divisions—how they are being innovative and interesting to translate the latest research into practice. Most importantly, we are reminded that we are not alone in this work and, in fact, have partners and allies in our goals to provide meaningful inclusion for all people.
Although this reminds us that we do not work in isolation, our time with international groups highlights how important the unique perspective DEC brings to the world. We are responsible for addressing the needs of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens who are just beginning their journey in special education. We have the gift of setting the stage of high-quality experiences for children, families, and communities. We help families build their capacity to be successful and advocate for their family as their children transition to later grades and eventually adulthood. Our commitment to the intersectionality and complexity young children and their families live in within, dedication to raising the voices of practitioners and families of young children with disabilities and developmental delays, and centering our impact on research-informed practice and policy serves as examples of maximizing our outcomes and moving us forward as a field.
We thank all of you in being part of DEC and making DEC a special and globally impactful organization and invite you to continue to lean into this work—as each of you are equally important to the field of early intervention/early childhood special education and DEC. There are many ways to contribute to expanding DEC and its mission: promoting policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0–8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. For example, read the articles included in this issue of Young Exceptional Children, talk about it with the people around you and take time to reflect on one article that touches you and make a plan to take steps to use it in your interactions with your own family or the children and families you work with.
In closing, we want you to see yourself as a vital component of making your community and our world a better place for young children with disabilities and developmental delays and their families—and sharing the importance of early experiences on special education across the lifespan in all areas of our society. Thank you!
Respectfully,