The Kansas Division for Early Childhood
KANSAS SUBDIVISION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I – NAME
Section 1
The name of this organization shall be the Kansas Subdivision for Early Childhood of the Division for Early Childhood of the International Council for Exceptional Children.
Section 2
The Kansas Subdivision for Early Childhood shall be recognized as an affiliate of the Kansas Federation of the International Council for Exceptional Children.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
Section 1
The Kansas Subdivision for Early Childhood is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future Untied States Internal Revenue Law).
Section 2
The primary purposes of the organization shall be to promote the education of infants and young children with exceptional needs and to encourage and promote professional growth and research as a means of better understanding the unique needs related to young exceptional children.
Section 3
No part of the net earnings of the association shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in article II, Section 1 hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing and distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Section 4
Upon the dissolution of the association, the Executive Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the association, disposes of all of the assets of the association exclusively for the purpose of the association in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Executive Board shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the association is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
The division shall maintain a minimum of twenty (20) paid members in good standing who shall compose the membership meeting qualifications established by the CEC Delegate Assembly and as may have been supplemented by the International Division for Early Childhood.
Section 2
All members of the Kansas Division for Early Childhood shall be members of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the International Division for Early Childhood.
Section 3
Policies pertaining to rights and privileges of various categories of membership shall be consistent with the policies of the CEC.
Section 4
The policy pertaining to the membership year shall be consistent with the policy of CEC, and the period of membership for each subdivision member shall coincide with his/her membership in CEC.
Section 5
Membership shall consist of regular and student members.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
Section 1
The officers of this organization shall be a president, an immediate past-president, a president-elect who shall succeed the president, a vice-president who shall succeed the president-elect, a secretary, and a treasurer.
Section 2
The terms of officers shall be as follows: president, immediate past-president, president-elect, and vice president – one year, secretary and treasurer – two consecutive years.
Section 3
The fiscal and administrative term of office shall be July 1 – June 30.
Section 4
- A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled by automatic succession of the president-elect to the office.
- A vacancy in the office of president-elect shall be filled by automatic succession of the vice-president to the office.
- A vacancy in any of the offices, except president and president-elect, shall be declared and filled by action of the Executive Board upon recommendation by the president, and such person(s) shall serve only until the end of the current administrative year or until replaced by a duly elected successor.
Section 5
An elected officer cannot succeed him/herself in the same office. However, the officer may be reelected to the same office after the expiration of one year. An officer selected to fill any portion of an unexpired term may be elected to the same office immediately following the appointed term.
Section 6
Individuals nominated for office must currently be members of the Council for Exceptional Children, the International Division for Early Childhood, and the Kansas Subdivision for Early Childhood throughout their term of office. Failure to maintain such membership shall result in immediate removal from office.
Section 7
Procedures for removal from office will be as follows:
- A petition for removal of a Kansas Subdivision for Early Childhood officer shall be signed by at least five members of the subdivision and submitted in writing to the president. If the president is the subject of the petition, it shall be submitted to the president-elect.
- The president (or president-elect) shall, within seven days, notify each Executive Board member in writing of the receipt of such a petition, solicit relevant evidence from all parties concerned, and convene a special meeting of the Executive Board to consider the matter within thirty days following receipt of the petition.
- At the Executive Board meeting, an opportunity shall be made available to all interested parties to present any relevant evidence.
- The Executive Board shall then forward the petition and relevant documentation, with or without recommendations, to the general membership. A ballot is to be enclosed and members are to be asked to vote on the retention/removal of the officer.
- A ballot must be returned to the president (president-elect) within thirty (30) days. A two-thirds majority vote of voting members is necessary for the removal of the officer.
- Removal from office is effective immediately. The officer being considered for removal shall be provided with the results of the Executive Board action in writing within seven days.
ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1
The president, president-elect, vice-president, immediate past president, secretary, treasurer, chairpersons of standing committees, historian, student representative, and ex-officio members shall constitute the Executive Board.
Section 2
The historian, student representative, ex-officio members, and chairpersons of standing committees shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the Executive Board.
Section 3
Members attending any legally called Executive Board meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4
The Executive board shall meet at least once a year. Meetings of the Executive Board shall be called by the president or by petition of three members of the Board, by individual notification of the members at least seven days prior to meeting.
Section 5
All members of the Executive Board shall be members of the International Division for Early Childhood and the Kansas Subdivision for Early Childhood.
ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES
Section 1
Standing committees shall include:
- Membership
- Publications
- Nominations and Elections
- Children Action Network
- Finance and Operations
- Awards
Section 2
Ad hoc committees may be established and their functions assigned at the discretion of the president. Such establishment must clearly indicate the purpose and length of service of the committee. Chairpersons of these committees are not members of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Section 1
A minimum of one annual business meeting shall be held.
Section 2
The Executive Board shall have the authority to conduct regional meetings, conventions or conference in addition to the annual meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS
Section 1
Constitutional amendments may be made in the following manner:
- This constitution may be amended by a mail vote and the item must pass by a two-thirds majority of the members voting.
- Proposed amendments to the constitution must be petitioned by ten (10) active members and circulated by mail to the active membership within eight (8) months thereafter, subject to a vote at or before the annual business meeting. All amendments must be submitted to the president.
Adopted March 6, 1982, Manhattan, KS. Revised September 25, 1992 Further Revised February 28, 2003
Changes made:
Article V – Executive Board Section
- —added ex-officio members
- —added ex-officio members
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
All members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of this subdivision.
ARTICLE II – NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS
Section 1
The cost and procedures for newsletter subscriptions shall be determined by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE III – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1
The duties of the officers shall be such as are implied by their respective titles and such as are specified by these bylaws.
Section 2
The president shall:
- be the chief executive officer of the subdivision.
- call and preside at the annual business meeting.
- call and preside at meetings of the Executive Board.
- recommend chairpersons of committees with the exception of the Nominations and Election, Finance and Operations, Awards and Publications.
- be an ex-officio member of all committees with the exception of the Nominations and Elections Committee.
- represent the subdivision in coordinating efforts with other agencies.
- provide leadership to general policy-making and carry out directions of the membership.
- make an annual report to the Kansas Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children and the International Division for Early Childhood.
- serve on the Federation convention program committee and arrange for appropriate sessions for the subdivision.
Section 3
The president-elect shall:
- serve in the place of the president with the president’s authority in case of absence or disability of the president.
- develop the program and make necessary arrangements for the annual subdivision conference according to the policies and directives of the Executive Board, prepare a draft of the complete convention program for approval by the Executive Board and present an evaluation and report of the conference at the close of the conference.
Section 4
The vice-president shall:
- serve in the president’s place and with the president’s authority in case of absence or disability of the president and the president-elect.
- assume designated responsibilities which will provide training for advancement to the office of president-elect and president.
- serve as the editor of the newsletter and as chairperson of the Publications Committee.
- initiate preparations for subsequent conferences as necessary.
Section 5
The secretary shall:
- keep a record of all proceedings of the annual business meeting and the meetings of the Executive Board.
- keep a record of all correspondence as necessary for the operation of the organization.
- be responsible for activities related to amendments to the subdivision constitution and bylaws.
Section 6
The treasurer shall:
- make an annual report of the financial status of the subdivision to the Executive Board and at the annual business meeting.
- prepare and submit an annual budget for approval by the Executive Board to be presented at the annual business meeting.
- authorize all expenditures.
- chair the Finance and Operations Committee.
- serve on the Finance and Operations Committee an additional year.
Section 7
The past-president shall:
- chair the Nominations and Elections Committee.
- chair the Awards Committee.
- assist in conference planning and other activities to provide continuity for the subdivision.
Section 8
The historian shall:
- maintain the archives of the organization.
- compile materials and photographs to record the activities of the current year.
Section 9
The student representative shall:
- provide liaison between the student members and the Executive Board.
- assist Membership Chair in recruitment of and service to student members.
- plan student directed session(s) at the annual subdivision conference.
- assist president-elect with planning poster session at the annual subdivision conference.
ARTICLE IV – COMMITTEES
Section 1
The president, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint the chairperson of the following standing committees: Membership and Children Action Network. The immediate past president shall serve as chairperson of the Nominations and Elections Committee and Awards Committee. The vice-president shall serve as chairperson of the Publications Committee. The treasurer shall serve as chairperson of the Finance and Operations Committee.
Section 2
Committee members shall be appointed by the chairperson subject to approval by the Executive Board.
Section 3
The Membership, Publications, Children Action Network, Finance and Operations, and Awards Committees shall have no less than two members in addition to the chairperson. The chairperson and members shall serve three (3) year terms. One third, or the nearest fraction thereof, of the membership shall be appointed each year.
Section 4
The Nominations and Elections Committee shall have four members in addition to the chairperson, representing a broad geographical and professional selection. The chairperson and members shall serve one (1) year terms.
Section 5
All standing committees reporting at the annual meeting shall first report to the Executive Board.
Section 6
The Nominations and Elections Committee procedure shall be to:
- solicit recommendations for nominations from the entire membership prior to December 1.
- nominate at least one (1) candidate for vice-president annually; for secretary on even numbered years; for treasurer on odd numbered years.
- in case of vacancies at election time in the offices of president-elect and vice-president, nominate candidates for president and president-elect.
- submit the report, signed by all members of the committee, to the president eight (8) weeks prior to the annual business meeting.
- give attention to regional balance.
The president shall announce the report to the membership six (6) weeks prior to the annual business meeting.
Other nominations may be made by any group of ten (10) active members signing a nomination petition. Such nominations shall be presented to the president eight (8) weeks prior to the annual business meeting and shall be announced to the membership At the same time the report of the Nominations and Elections Committee is announced.
Ballots shall be sent to all active members six (6) weeks prior to the annual business meeting and shall be voted upon by mail and returned to the committee chairperson two weeks prior to the annual business meeting. Those receiving a simple plurality shall be elected.
Results of the election shall be announced to the membership.
Section 7
The Membership Committee shall:
- formulate plans to be approved by the Executive Board for membership recruitment and growth of the subdivision.
- keep records of membership.
- keep a written record of the activities conducted to maintain and increase membership.
Section 8
The Publications Committee shall:
- be chaired by the vice-president as newsletter editor.
- publish a minimum of two newsletters each year. (More newsletters shall be published if and when it seems advisable).
Section 9
The Children Action Network Committee shall:
- develop a legislative program under the direction of the Executive Board.
- disseminate information pertinent to the national and state legislative programs.
The chairperson of the Children Action Network Committee shall serve as the subdivision’s representative and liaison with other state advocacy groups relevant to children with special needs.
Section 10
The Finance and Operations Committee shall:
- develop the annual budget for recommendations to the Executive Board
- recommend procedures and policies for financial reimbursements, e.g., mileage.
Section 11
The Awards Committee shall:
- recommend policies and procedures for awards to be made by the subdivision.
- elicit recommendations for awardees from the membership.
- recommend those persons who will receive annual awards to theExecutive Board for approval.
- contact nominees/awardees and complete form, summarize information into presentation format, and order awards from Salina business, Stardust Trophy.
- present awards.
ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1
The Executive Board shall:
- conduct all appropriate executive business of the subdivision.
- recommend policies and program for the subdivision to the annual business meeting.
- advise on the annual subdivision budget.
- formulate such administrative policies and assume such other responsibilities as are appropriate.
ARTICLE VI – ANNUAL MEETING
Section 1
The annual business meeting shall consist of:
- report of subdivision activities and other matters of concern by the president.
- minutes of the previous meeting.
- report by the treasurer.
- approval of the budget and program for the coming year.
- report of all committees.
- report of the Federation activities that concern the subdivision.
- other matters which are of interest and concern of the subdivision.
ARTICLE VII– PARLIAMENTARY RULES
Section 1
The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised, shall govern the proceedings of this subdivision subject to the special rules which have been or may be adopted.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
Section 1
The bylaws may be amended by a mail vote and passed by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE VII – DISSOLUTION
Section 1
In the event of dissolution of this subdivision, the Executive Board shall, after payment of all liabilities of the subdivision, dispose of all the assets of the subdivision by:
- following specific procedures as determined by the international division, or, if no such procedures are mandated
- forwarding them to the Council for Exceptional Children (a nonprofit corporation) with a request that they be retained in a non-interest bearing account and made available to the subdivision should it ever be reorganized, or
- contributing them to the Foundation for Exceptional Children (a nonprofit, tax exempt public foundation) which operates to advance the education of exceptional children, or
- contributing them to a local, non-profit organization or activity, the purpose of which is to serve the needs of exceptional infants and young children.
Revised June 19, 1987. Revised June 25, 1990. Further Revised February 28, 2003.