I postponed getting my CDA because I already had a two-year degree in Social Work. However, over time it became clear that earning a CDA had value for me. Even though I have been working in early childhood education since 1987, I finally applied for the CDA. The reason was that I wanted to deepen my knowledge of child development and meet other professionals on a regular basis, which would help in my understanding of the profession.
Being connected to my peers helped me realize that difficulties are common, shared, and can be better addressed together. Finishing the process of earning my CDA helped me see the big picture. It made me want to know how child development theory fits with the practice; it gave me clarity on best practices.
I am now one class away from my Associates Degree in Early Education. I work as director of a center which serves 80 children, and I have found that continued professional development is crucial for me in this position. The program at our center is non-traditional, serving kids from birth through age 13. The Center opens at 5:00 a.m. and closes at 2:00 a.m., in order to serve parents working in factories, hospitals, and restaurants. Most children in the Center come from single parent households.
In my center, I have put strong emphasis on professional development, and I encourage my staff to engage all the learning opportunities the state of Kentucky provides. When hiring new staff, I noticed that many people lack the confidence and skills to use a computer to facilitate their daily work. Now when hiring people, I help the individual become more comfortable and familiar with technology. Fear of new things has not hindered my staff, who are deeply committed to kids and to the profession. Some of my teachers started without even their GEDs, but then they pursued the Commonwealth Childcare Credential, the CDA, and even completed their AA degrees! Working together raised their confidence levels, and their examples encouraged others to join and go back to school. As an incentive, I raise the hourly wage by $1 for every additional training course completed.
I am very active in the field of early childhood education. I am a co-chair of the Early Childhood Council which serves three counties. Through the Kids Now initiative, the Council offers mini grants to area providers to be used for classroom items and educational materials. My center is located in the middle of a community where everyone helps each other. Ten families helped our center move! I am proud of our strong connection to the community we serve.
Dr. Calvin Moore shared that when he first arrived at the Council and took on the CEO role, he was focused on assessing the early childhood education (ECE) landscape, the reach of the organization and...
We have probably all seen the commercials this time of year when you can hear the popular holiday song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, playing in the background as parents dance joyously...
Did you know early childhood educators in Maryland have a special benefit that can help them and the children they serve? The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a $1 million grant to the...
For the first time in three years, the Education Writers Association (EWA) gathered in person for their National Seminar in Orlando last month. The event drew journalists from across the country to hear from leaders...
In April 2022, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued new guidance and an Information Memoranda (IM) announcing the long-awaited, family-friendly policy of permitting families and guardians to use proof of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
The CDA Advisory Committee was created to provide insights, perspectives, and best practices to the CDA community and other early childhood professionals. Established during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members’ first-hand experiences...
Where can you connect with CDA® holders and the wide range of folks who serve them? Turn to the Council Alumni Network (CAN), an online community that brings together current and past CDA earners, CDA...
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...
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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