Council for Exceptional Children

What it reported doing in 2025

Outreach: professional preparation standards: the council for exceptional children's professional preparation standards define the specialized expertise special educators must master for safe and effective practice. These standards are used to inform special educator preparation programs, accreditation organizations, and credentialing agencies. From our earliest days, we've recognized the critical role of standards in defining special education as a profession. In 1922, at its inaugural meeting, the founders of cec identified the establishment of professional standards as one of the primary aims of the organization. We've embraced this responsibility to have been a leader among education associations in the development of ethical principles, preparation standards, and resources for using the standards. Cec has and continues to use a collaborative process that ensures that its standards are current, research-based, and designed to fully address the knowledge and skills special educators must master.yes i can awards: cec's yes i can awards recognize the accomplishments of students with disabilities who have demonstrated excellence in areas such as academics, arts, self-advocacy, technology, and community service. Each year, cec honors award recipients at its annual convention & expo, celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories with thousands of educators, families, and peers. The program highlights the potential and contributions of young people with disabilities while inspiring educators and communities to continue fostering inclusive opportunities. Through yes i can, cec shines a spotlight on the strengths and successes of students, reinforcing its mission to ensure every child is supported to reach their full potential.diversity leadership academy: cec's diversity leadership academy (dla) develops and empowers special education professionals from historically underrepresented groups to become strong leaders in the field. Through a two year-long program of mentorship, training, and networking, participants build leadership skills, deepen their knowledge of policy and practice, and engage with peers who share a commitment to equity and inclusion. The dla not only supports individual professional growth but also strengthens the profession by ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are represented in leadership roles. By cultivating the next generation of leaders, the program advances cec's mission to create a more inclusive and equitable future for students with disabilities.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 90.8%; rating input score 91
• Program expense ratio: 85.2%; rating input score 85
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -1.3%; rating input score 22; 22nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.58; rating input score 19; 19th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.71; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 16.8%; rating input score 19; 19th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 0.8% per year; rating input score 100; 15th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 0.6% per year; rating input score 100; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -5.1% per year; rating input score 0; 3rd percentile among comparable filings