The Divison for Early Childhood of The

“All members of DEC are members of CEC. Membership in DEC consists of professional and student members and includes all membership categories established by CEC. DEC has approximately 2,800 members.”

“DEC's membership elects the Board of Directors.”

“DEC's membership is international and widely dispersed. Therefore, all substantive issues requiring the vote of the membership as required under Montana law or otherwise shall be taken via a fair and convenient election process. All resolutions, election of officers or members-at-large, or actions of the membership pass upon the affirmative vote of the membership participating (returning ballots) in the election process.”

“Federal Form 990 is prepared by an independent accounting firm. It is then reviewed by the Executive Director, the Associate Director, the Board, and the organization's accountant before the return was filed with the IRS.”

“On an annual basis, Board members are required to disclose any potential conflicts per Executive Board policies. Also, through executive office monitoring reports, the Executive Director provides a report to the Board on various operational matters which includes identifying any possible conflict of interests.”

“The Executive Director's compensation was based on comparable compensation information of other Executive Directors of associations as well as Executive Directors in the early childhood field. The Associate Director's compensation was based on comparable compensation information of other Associate Directors of associations as well as Associate Directors in the early childhood field, consultations with legal counsel, and discussions during executive sessions by the Executive Board.”

“DEC's bylaws as well as the last two years' audited financial statements and Form 990 are available on its website. Other governing documents are available upon request.”

“The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is one of eighteen 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.”

“It is the collective responsibility of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children to center the needs and realities of those who are most negatively impacted by systemic inequity. We advance and shape leadership, research, policy, and practice that supports, engages, and informs those who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children with or at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC works to identify, interrogate, and dismantle systemic inequities so that young children and their families thrive.”

“DEC offers a wide variety of learning opportunities designed for professionals who work with or on behalf of young children with special needs. Learning Decks are professional development webinars for those who work with, or on behalf of, young children with special needs.”

“Other professional fees: Program service expenses 152,521. Management and general expenses 16,809. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 169,330.”

“DEC's Executive Board is responsible for oversight of the audit, including selection of the independent accountant. The process has not changed from prior years.”