In July, Mark Smith of the Munroe-Meyer Institute will complete his term on the executive board of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Since 2013, Smith served in the elected position, which placed him in a leadership role and gave him access to a national forum on education issues for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities from birth to age 5.
The Divison for Early Childhood
The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families. It was started in 1973 by a group of volunteers who cared deeply about the development of young children with special needs. DEC is one of 17 divisions of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.
As a member of the board, Smith has served in a number of roles but focused on two key areas: the DEC’s positions on early childhood public policy and the federal government’s emphasis on inclusion of families in the day-to-day running of intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities nationally.
“I’ve authored several responses to requests from the federal government, including the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, on the position of the DEC on major issues, including family engagement,” Smith said.
Smith, an assistant professor at MMI, said that most recently his focus has been on what the organization can do to build family engagement throughout the early intervention field. These efforts will continue even as he leaves the board; specifically, he’ll provide support to DEC’s exploration of the creation of a Family Leadership Council.
“As to the participation of family members in the organization, I’ve been directly involved in some positive changes the DEC board and executive leadership has been implementing and will continue to stay involved after I leave the board,” he said.
In a way, Smith said, he will be happy when his term expires, given the time commitment the board demands, as it will allow him to focus on other areas of concern.
“Still, it’s worked out very well. It’s been a great opportunity” he said. “I’m glad I did it.”
He also will remain involved in the division’s search for a new executive director.
Smith has worked in early intervention since the early 1990s, including involvement in setting up how the early intervention system works in Nebraska, as well as serving in national roles, including as a member of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council. Currently, he still contracts to provide support to Nebraska’s Early Development Network.
“With the hiring of a new executive director, the Family Leadership Council that we’re exploring, and as a member of the Policy Council — which I’ve been a member of going back 15 years — I’m happy I will continue to have involvement with DEC,” he said.
Way to go, Mark! Your loving mother is so proud of you and your work Wishing you many more successful years. Patty McGill Smith
Way to go excellent work. Take a rest. Natl board is very challenging and time consuming. The families will thank you
I do