Abstract
This first issue of the 2013 volume of Young Exceptional Children comes out just as Spring is about to bloom. It sounds cliché, but one cannot help but feel a sense of revitalization during this time of the year. The work of the DEC Executive Board and achievement of DEC’s Ends seem to be right in line with the equinox.
As described in a previous President’s Message, DEC’s Ends are the expected impact DEC will have on young children with developmental delays and disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. All of DEC’s work is focused on these Ends. While it is sometimes easy to quickly jump to the “how”—the products DEC has (and sells!), the DEC Conference, the work of DEC’s subdivisions, how many members DEC has—we first need to clearly articulate “why” or “for what purpose” DEC is doing all these activities. Just like an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) team must first identify expected outcomes to know which services and specific strategies could be effective in achieving those outcomes; DEC’s Ends are needed to know what DEC is working toward. The Ends are why DEC exists. DEC’s current Ends focus on “full membership” of young children with developmental delays and disabilities and, for the adults who can make this a reality, to be “competent, informed, and connected.” As we look toward the arrival of Spring, it is a time for examining our Ends, and how we are achieving them.
The current Ends focus strongly on DEC’s Recommended Practices (http://dec-sped.org/Store/Recommended_Practices), most particularly the influence of these Recommended Practices on the effectiveness of early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE). In this time of renewal, there is a lot of energy being directed to DEC’s Recommended Practices, including two federally funded centers that are partnering with DEC to update the Recommended Practices and support the utilization of those Practices. That way, the Practices will directly influence the learning and development of young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families’ confidence and competence. In addition, accessing the interests and expertise of our subdivisions and members, DEC is engaged in a unique initiative looking at how best to provide professional development on Recommended Practices. The expected outcome is that, through the professional development provided, professionals are effective in applying Recommended Practices in their EI/ECSE work. Clearly, these fresh initiatives are well aligned to achieving DEC’s Ends.
Spring also begins an opportunity for the DEC Executive Board to reexamine the Ends with a new vitality. Just like IFSP/IEP objectives further specify the expected outcomes, DEC’s Ends are continually updated to reflect where we are currently, any progress made, and the views of all team members. Acting on the plan was outlined in the previous President’s Message, the Executive Board has spent the winter seeking member input (our “team”) through surveys, focus groups, informal conversations, and anytime members initiated interactions with us. The Executive Board is now ready to take what we heard from our members to craft our annual agenda for next year and take a fresh look at our Ends. We hope that, when DEC members read our revised Ends and our annual agenda for 2013-2014, they see themselves in the Ends, what is important to them, and what motivates them. For those who are not DEC members, we hope you will take a moment to review DEC’s Ends. If these Ends are something you would like to see achieved, consider joining DEC to be a part of the mission. Everyone is invited to keep track of the Executive Board’s work through our For Our Members webpage at http://dec-sped.org/About_DEC/For_Our_Members.
And as usual, Spring brings the election results for the open seats on the 2013-2014 DEC Executive Board. Congratulations to Erin Barton of Colorado, the 2013 President Elect, and the three new Members At-Large—Rashida Banerjee of Colorado, Jen Newton of Virginia, and Mark Smith of Nebraska. These new Board Members begin their term July 1, 2013. The Executive Board would also like to thank everyone who agreed to run for a Board position. DEC is only as strong as our members’ willingness to serve. There are many opportunities for DEC members to volunteer toward achieving our Ends. So, if Spring has brought a rejuvenated sense of dedication to DEC, please contact