The Illinois Subdivision of the Division for Early Childhood (IDEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a nonprofit organization advocating for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age eight and their families.  The DEC Recommended Practices were developed to provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to improve the learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through age 5, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities. The purpose is to help bridge the gap between research and practice by highlighting those practices that have been shown to result in better outcomes for young children with disabilities, their families, and the personnel who serve them.

While family outreach has always been part of our mission, the Family Participation standing committee was not staffed for a period of time.  Recently, Zach Allen and I were appointed chairs and are reestablishing the committee.  Since you work closely with families across the state, we need your input to shape upcoming campaigns and actives.  

• Please submit your ideas through this short survey by May 15: Family Outreach Survey

• Please share this survey with families and advocate groups you feel would be able to provide ideas to our organization.

Thank you for your time and input!

Kris Baran 
IDEC-CEC Family Participation Chair

Denise Henry

Project Leader

STAR NET Region IV

Phone:  618-833-5371