Frequently Asked Questions

DEC invites practitioners, researchers, faculty, family members, and community partners to express interest in facilitating professional development opportunities in 2026, including pre-conference workshops and hot topic sessions at the DEC Annual Conference, as well as virtual professional development opportunities offered throughout the year. Interested individuals should complete the Professional Development/Workshop Volunteer Presenter Interest Form,(https://divisionforearlychildhood.jotform.com/260344562121952) which allows DEC to learn more about areas of expertise, professional interests, and availability. Proposals for DEC 2026–specific pre-conference workshops or hot topic sessions must be submitted by Thursday, March 5th, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Proposals are due Monday, February 9, 2026. The deadline will not be extended beyond Monday, February 9, 2026. All Important Deadlines Submission Deadline: Monday, February 9th, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time Review Deadline: Monday, March 9th, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time Decision Deadline: Friday, May 8th, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time Event Start Date: Monday, October 26th, 2026, 4:30 PM Central Time Event End Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Time Dates may be subject to change.

Co-presenter information will be collected at acceptance. There is no limit on the number of co-presenters; however, all co-presenters are required to register for and attend the conference.

Presenting is considered a volunteer opportunity; conference presenters contribute their time and expertise as a professional service to the field. All accepted presenters are required to register for the conference in order to present. Presenter discounts are not available; however, DEC offers tiered registration pricing to support accessibility and participation.

Presenters will be able to update the Lead Presenter once sessions have been accepted.

An individual may serve as Lead Presenter on a maximum of two (2) accepted conference sessions. Poster sessions and invited sessions (e.g., DEC Committees, Position Papers, or Board-sponsored sessions) are excluded from this limit.