Thinking about Professional Membership and Networking

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By: Carrie Portrie, EC-SEAT Project Coordinator

At the end of each year, I am reminded to renew my student membership with the Council for Exceptional Children. 

The Council for Exceptional Children's Mission is:

"a professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. We accomplish our mission through advocacy, standards, and professional development."
I am part of two divisions within this larger organization the Division for Early Childhood and the Technology and Media Division.

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."

The Technology and Media Division (TAM): 

"is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children that works to promote the availability and effective use of technology and media for individuals with exceptional learning needs. Anyone who uses technology as one of the options to improve outcomes for children and adults with disabilities is welcome to join TAM. TAM members work in classrooms, centers, clinics, homes, and universities. They include families, advocates, teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and policy makers."
These groups help me access opportunities to present and attend conferences, help review proposals, participate in student editorial boards, and potentially publish my work or work completed with colleagues.

There are many ways students and young professionals can become members and get involved with early childhood organizations. I joined CEC, DEC, and TAM because of my commitment to the fields of early childhood education and technology; and working with children experiencing exceptionalities and their families. Below is a list of organizations (linked to their websites) that may be of interest to those looking to connect with other early childhood educators at a national or local level.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)






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