About Us


The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is one of seventeen divisions of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. DEC is especially for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age eight, and their families.

The Division for Early Childhood promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.

DEC is an international community of professionals and family members all working together to support the development of young children with special needs and to create a system of support for all young children and their families. 


Our members include:


  • Early intervention specialists

  • Early childhood special educators

  • Parents

  • Early Childhood professionals working in preschool, childcare, and Head Start Programs

  • Researchers

  • Administrators

  • High education faculty

  • Healthcare professionals

  • Occupational, physical and speech therapists

  • Social workers

  • Psychologists

  • and you!


If you would like to learn about membership and all of its benefits, please click here.

Promoting policies, advances practices…

Centers of Excellence for...

An initiative designed to regionalize professional development systems in Minnesota. Visit MNCOE website

For MN DEC Membership Info, Questions & Comments...

We welcome your feedback, your questions and your ideas. Contact Us

About the MN DEC

The Minnesota Division for Early Childhood (MN DEC) is a statewide membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children with disabilities and other special needs.

the minnesota division

for early childhood

MN DEC Calendar of Events

Find upcoming events of interest to members involved in the MN DEC. View the Calendar​