Know someone doing amazing work with young children and families?

Nominate them for an IDEC Award to be presented at the Sharing A Vision Conference

  • This award honors individuals who have significantly impacted early intervention and early childhood services.

    Video: How It All Began

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Be a professional in an agency or organization in the field of early intervention/early childhood (Birth–8), family member, student, or community member, or work in an area that directly impacts early intervention/early childhood (e.g., government).

    • It is encouraged, but not required, that the candidate be a current member of DEC.

    • Have made significant contributions on a state, regional, or local level that have improved or will improve the lives of young children with special needs, their families, or those who work on their behalf.

    • Contributions may be in direct services, personnel preparation, leadership, policy development, research, advocacy, or publications and should align with the goals of Illinois DEC (IDEC) and the International DEC.

  • Established in 2015, this biennial award is presented at the Sharing A Vision (SAV) Conference. The recipient remains a surprise until the announcement at the SAV opening session.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Be a parent, family member, educator, or community member.

    • Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening family engagement initiatives in early intervention/early childhood education.

    • Make significant contributions on a local, regional, or state level that have improved or will improve the lives of families of young children with special needs.

    • It is encouraged, but not required, that the candidate be a current member of DEC.

  • Visit sharingavision.org/conference-details/awards for more information on the annual call for nominations.

  • Jeanette A. McCollum Award for Service to the Field

    IDEC Family Engagement Award

    • 2025: Tareema Jean-Baptiste

    • 2023: Debbie Einhorn

    • 2021: Stephanie Brown

    • 2019: Sandy Bauer

    • 2017: Sheri Kraus

    • 2015: Roseann Slaght