Professional development is absolutely critical to your success, as well as the success of all the children in your care. Not to mention in most states, you’re required to complete a minimum number of training hours each year to fulfill continuing education requirements for licensing, quality improvement systems, accreditation, and certification.
I’m Leslie Coleman, the education director of ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), a leader in online professional development for early childhood education (ECE) professionals. Throughout my 25+ year career, I’ve been responsible for creating professional development curriculum for thousands of teachers across the country.
Taking professional development courses ensures you’re keeping up with the latest trends, helps you sharpen your teaching chops and ensures you’re always a step ahead when it comes to focusing on the needs of your students and their families.
And regardless of whether you get a summer break or teach in a year-round program, it’s important not to let your professional learning slip during the sunny season. Here are a few of my favorite tips to help keep you on track during the summer:
In addition to fulfilling requirements to keep up with training requirements, summer might also be a good time to consider earning (or renewing) your Child Development Associate Credential® (CDA).
The CDA® is the most widely recognized credential in our industry. When a person earns it, they establish a foundation for delivering high quality care for young children and demonstrate they have the expertise needed to work with fellow educators, children, and families.
When you complete professional development hours, you’re ultimately investing in yourself and career. And if you decide to undertake your CDA Credential, your future will certainly be so bright, you’ll need to wear shades!
If you’re ready to begin your CDA journey, ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) has you covered. We offer 150+ courses in English and Spanish that you can take anywhere 24/7/365. Additionally, we offer a number of CDA certification training options so you can choose the right one for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Click here to get started today!
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Chief Operations Officer
Andrew Davis serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Council. In this role, Andrew oversees the Programs Division, which includes the following operational functions: credentialing, growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy, research, innovation, and customer relations.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the early care and education field. Most recently, Andrew served as Senior Vice President of Partnership and Engagement with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, where he led the expansion of state and community-based partnerships to produce more equitable systems of service delivery, improved programmatic quality, and greater outcomes for communities, children and families. Prior to that, he served as Director of Early Learning at Follett School Solutions.
Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland – University College.
Chief Financial Officer
Jan Bigelow serves as Chief Financial Officer at the Council and has been with the organization since February of 2022.
Jan has more than 30 years in accounting and finance experience, including public accounting, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has held management-level positions with BDO Seidman, Kiplinger Washington Editors, Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Communities In Schools, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and American Humane. Since 2003, Jan has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector where she has been a passionate advocate in improving business operations in order to further the mission of her employers.
Jan holds a CPA from the State of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College. She resides in Alexandria VA with her husband and dog.
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