OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES
The DEC Conference is more than a professional gathering it is a space for professionals and families to connect, learn, share their stories, and help shape the future of inclusive early childhood systems. Below, Sadia and Matt two former Family Scholarship recipients share how attending the DEC Conference strengthened their advocacy, expanded their networks, and affirmed their role as leaders in their children’s journeys.
"I was fortunate to receive a family
scholarship to attend DEC’s 36th Annual
Conference. The conference was very well
organized and the DEC Family Committee
provided so many wonderful supports for
the scholarship recipients such as peer
mentoring, family orientation, and debriefing
sessions along with a very welcoming and
interactive family lounge. Not only was I able to learn from the amazing speakers and increase my confidence and competence as a parent but I was also able to connect with so many wonderful families from around the country which further contributed to my growth as a parent and as a family leader. The DEC Conference inspired me to stay connected with DEC and hence I joined the DEC Family Committee and the DEC Committee on Inclusion, Equity, and Social Justice." - Sadia B.
“This scholarship, combined with funding I
received from my state’s DD Council, allowed
me to attend my first DEC Conference. I went
to the conference hoping to attend some
good sessions and learn things that would
help me be a better parent and advocate,
and I did, but the real value for me was
meeting other parents and professionals
from all over the world who valued my perspective as a parent, who wanted to include me in their councils and committees, and who continue to serve as resources for me when I have questions or need help. I also got the chance to meet and spend time with DEC Family Committee members, who all encouraged me to share my experiences and helped me navigate the conference itself. Now I can’t wait to attend my first in-person conference as a member of DEC and the DEC Family Committee!” - Matt N.
FAMILY REGISTRATION WAIVER
Families of young children with disabilities (ages 0–8) are an essential part of the early childhood community and your voice matters. To ensure families can fully participate, conference registration is free for family members of young children with disabilities (ages 0-8) who are not also professionals in the fields of early intervention or early childhood special education.
Family members whose children are older than 8 years are eligible for the discounted Family Registration Rate.
FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
DEC is offering a limited number of $750 Family Scholarships to help make attendance possible for families whose children are receiving Early Intervention and/or Early Childhood Special Education services.
The scholarship may be used to support:
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Travel expenses
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Hotel accommodations
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Childcare costs
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Food/Drink
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Any other related expenses
Access the DEC Conference toolkit for more information about typical conference attendance expenses.
Please submit an application for the scholarship by Friday, May 15th, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern.
If you have any questions, please contact Wenxi Schwab at yangwenxi1015@gmail.com
We hope you will join us! Your experiences, insights, and dreams for your child matter deeply in this work.