January 2026

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Join ACDS Today: Your Membership Matters

 

For over four decades, the Association of Child Development Specialists (ACDS) has fostered a unique and supportive community of professionals. Our members include Infant/Toddler/

Pre-School Teachers, Interventionists, Psychologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Social Workers, and other practitioners who work daily with young children and their families.

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Together, we’ve built an unparalleled network of remarkable individuals who meet 4-8 times per year to share knowledge, resources, and support. You are one of those remarkable individuals.

 

Our History

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Many of you may fondly remember our in-person meetings on the Vista Del Mar campus and how we adapted to virtual gatherings during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, we remained connected as a community, continuing to share resources, support one another, and network with like-minded professionals both locally and across the country.

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Today, we carry forward this rich history while embracing the convenience of virtual access. From the comfort of your own home, you can now engage with dynamic speakers and benefit from the valuable insights the ACDS Executive Committee is committed to bringing to our collective knowledge base.

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Why Your Membership Matters

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ACDS is more than just an organization—it’s a community. Membership provides:

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• Professional Recognition: Receive free Certificates of Attendance for each presentation.

• Exclusive Access: Members-only website areas with recordings of past events, handouts, and contact information.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals through our members-only Facebook group and website directory.

• Enhanced Visibility: Feature your contact information on our website.

• Shared Learning: Access dynamic speakers and valuable resources to grow your expertise.

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By joining or renewing your membership, you’re investing in your professional growth while supporting a community that values collaboration and shared learning.

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• Dynamic Speakers: Access presentations from experts in the field, now conveniently available online.

• Valuable Resources: Handouts, event recordings, and a wealth of professional knowledge.

• Networking: Build meaningful connections with local and national professionals.

• Recognition: Low cost CEU’s and Certificates of Attendance to enhance your professional credentials.

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ACDS: Powered by Volunteers

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Our Executive Committee is entirely volunteer based, with the exception of our Administrative Assistant, who ensures the smooth operation of our organization. Membership dues help cover essential costs, including maintaining our website and social media presence, funding events, supporting our community with resources and networking opportunities, and providing thank-you gifts to speakers in the form of charitable donations.

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Now is the time that we need you!

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We are now actively seeking to increase our membership in order to thrive and, in fact, survive as a community.

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Here’s how you can help:

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• Renew your membership today.

• Invite a colleague or two to join us and experience the benefits of ACDS.

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Your membership dues will continue to help fund quality speakers, run the website and other Social Media, to continue to make resources available to our community and foster a new generation of child development leaders. We provide our speakers, many of whom present pro bono, with a thank you gift that consists of a donation to a worthy cause, on which both ACDS-LA and the speaker agree (see website for a list). 

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We have chosen to keep our membership fee lower than other organizations,  but we need your small contribution for essential operating costs.

 

When you join or renew your membership now, you may be able to deduct your membership dues as part of your work expenses. This is a great way to invest in your professional development while also benefiting financially.

 

Join Us Today

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Visit our website to learn more and become part of this vibrant community. Together, we can continue to grow, learn, and make a difference in the lives of children and families.

 

With kind regards,
The Executive Committee Members

Association of Child Development Specialists