PRIORITY ISSUES AGENDA

The DEC Priority Issues Agenda was revised by the DEC Board in 2020. The DEC Priority Issues Agenda is a statement by the DEC Executive Board intended to guide the strategic direction of the organization. The commitment to the DEC Priority Issues Agenda, the DEC mission, and the DEC Ends must permeate the work of DEC.

The Executive Office, charged by the Executive Board, assures the work, based on the DEC Priority Issues Agenda, the DEC mission, and the DEC Ends is accomplished through DEC's most significant resource, its volunteer workforce. Therefore, the who includes the DEC Committees, DEC Development Teams and, DEC Communities of Practice.

DEC envisions that the who is further extended to all professionals serving young children with disabilities and their families Because it Matters

Advancing Racial Equity in Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education 

The science is clear that the first years of children's lives set the foundation for their healthy development. A young child's race, gender, location, language, and ability should not determine their access to needed services, experiences, and outcomes.

This fact sheet provides key information and supporting evidence about racial disparities and inequities for young children with a disability, and questions for state and local leaders seeking to advance equity for all children with disabilities and their families. What we know about equity, or lack thereof, for early intervention (Part C) and early childhood special education (Part B, Section 619) authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) needs further research. We have intentionally included research on school-age children with disabilities and on school-age workforce knowing there are insights and lessons for the early years.

Access the fact sheet here.