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Division for Early Childhood's

42nd Annual International Conference

on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families

October 26th - October 29th, 2026

Omaha, Nebraska

DEC2026 is the premier international conference focused on inclusive early childhood practices, early intervention, and early childhood special education. The conference brings together practitioners, researchers, faculty, family members, and community partners from around the world to engage in evidence-based learning, innovative research, and collaborative dialogue grounded in the DEC Recommended Practices.

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Join us for four days of learning, connection, and shared commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and positive outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

What's New This Year: The DEC2026 Conference will take place Monday–Thursday. Join us Monday afternoon for pre-conference workshops and Monday evening for the opening session.

LEARN

Evidence-based practices, emerging research,

and innovative strategies. 

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LEARN

Evidence-based practices, emerging research, and innovative strategies.

CONNECT

Build relationships with fellow attendees from around the world.

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CONNECT

Build relationships with fellow attendees from around the world.

CONNECT

LEAD

Strengthen your capacity to advocate for equitable systems and inclusive practices.

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LEAD

Strengthen your capacity to advocate for equitable systems and inclusive practices.

Who Attends DEC: The DEC Conference brings together professionals, families, researchers, and leaders from across early intervention and early childhood special education systems.

 

Our interdisciplinary community collaborates to advance inclusive practices and improve outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

Administrator / Coordinator  -  State Administrator / Staff  -  Policymaker  -  Association Leader

Higher Education Faculty  -  Researcher  -  Consultant  -  Trainer  -  TA Provider

Undergraduates  -  Associates  -  Graduates  -  Doctoral Students

Family Members  -  Parents  -  Family Advocates

Early Intervention Practitioner  -  Early Childhood Educator  -  Early Childhood Special Educator  -  Behavior Specialist / Mental Health   -  Developmental Therapist/Developmental Educators   -  Head Start / Early Head Start Provider  -  Health Care / Public Health Professional   -  Speech and Language Therapist  -  Occupational Therapist  -  Physical Therapist  -  Psychologist / School Psychologist  -  Social Worker   -  Paraprofessional  -  Service Coordinator  -  Child Care Provider

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What DEC Attendees Say

I attended the DEC Conference because it’s one of the few spaces where I feel genuinely inspired and connected to others who share the same passion for inclusion and high-quality support for young children and their families. DEC has such an authentic, welcoming vibe—it’s a community that isn’t afraid to have real conversations about equity, advocacy, and innovation. Every year, I leave feeling reenergized and reminded why this work matters so much.

- Morgan

Division for Early Childhood

conference@dec-sped.org

310-428-7209

Division for Early Childhood Mailing and Billing Address 

PO Box 662089

Los Angeles, CA 90066

Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children logo

© Division for Early Childhood 2026​ 

Division for Early Childhood is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

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