Resources

DEC Policy and Advocacy Outlets 

DEC collaborates with a large number of organizations that support young children, their families, and the professionals who work with them. We offer you this list of organizations with website and social media links to help increase awareness of policy efforts and enhance advocacy efforts. Members who are interested in receiving regular updates directly from our DEC partners can read their websites, subscribe to newsletters, or follow their social media outlets.  The contacts listed below are a sampling ones that provide updates on a wide range of local, national, and international policy and advocacy issues. Many of these organizations also offer state and/or local affiliations that offer you even more chances to engage in awareness and advocacy efforts. Access the document here.​

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A Calendar for Advocacy: When to Talk to Your Legislator and What to Talk About  

These are general rules for state legislatures to support your advocacy. Access the document here.

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Contact Your Representatives

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Do's and Don'ts 

What do professionals need to do to keep themselves safe while advocating? Early childhood providers who work in public school or government funded programs are able to advocate as community members and stakeholders in public education. However, they must be aware of the legal and ethical obligations that they should adhere to. Access the document here. 

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How to Advocate in Your State 

Learn about why advocacy is important, what advocacy can look like, and how to communicate your message. Access the document here.

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Legislative Process 

Learn about the legislative process from measure to law. Access the document here.

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Taking Action Through Speaking to Your Legislators 

As professionals in our field we can impact the decision-making process in many ways. Knowing how to approach and communicate with your local, state and federal legislators is one very important step. Access the document here. 

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Three Steps to Build and Maintain Relationships with Your Elected Officials 

To impact and advance special and gifted education and early intervention policy it is important to understand the legislative process and establish relationships with your elected officials and their staff! Developing relationships with policymakers will yield positive outcomes in

your advocacy and networking efforts. Access the document here.

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Resources developed by the Policy and Advocacy Unit of CEC​

  • CEC's Legislative Action Center: A service that allows you to send an e-mail directly to your member of Congress, find out the latest legislative happenings, or find members of the media in your local area. DEC encourages our members, parents, and those who work with young children with exceptionalities and their families in the United States to use the Legislative Action Center.  Yours is an important voice in our efforts to support policies and practices that promote positive outcomes for young children and their families

 

Information on the Federal Agencies, Committees, Laws, Register and Budget