Messages from the Movies
My mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I started to wonder what this meant and worried my...
I have been a family child care provider since 1998. I work very hard full time, and I am currently working with five children who are aged from 2 months old to 5 years old, including children with special needs.
I earned my CDA in August of 2009 in the Family Child Care Setting. A few years before that, I had felt overwhelmed by the CDA process. I worried I would not be able to write quality essays, and I thought the CDA process was too much like going to college, and that it was not for me. I hesitated to enroll in the CDA preparation program. Then one day by accident, I ended up in a CDA class in the Office of Children in Fairfax, VA. The other students in the class encouraged me to stay and complete the CDA class with them. I was comforted by the support of my colleagues, and I understood that CDA would be a good addition to my resume. The group had six months to complete the requirements, and all the class members encouraged each other and shared tips and resources.
Looking back, I now realize that the CDA process was not difficult. It seemed hard to find the Professional Resource File materials for Latinos, but I had a mentor, an experienced ECE professional who had earned her CDA a while back, who helped me in the process.
I was encouraged when I successfully completed my CDA training, and I am no longer scared of continuing my education in a college setting. I worked with a group of professionals on college projects, and frequently used the Internet to connect with others. Now I have earned 16 credits through NOVA (North Virginia Community College), and earned my Certificate in Infant and Toddler Education. These college credits will transfer toward my AA degree in Infant Toddler Education. I am now waiting to see if I will be awarded a scholarship.
This training has taught me very much about child development, dual language learners, and children with special needs. Because of my CDA preparation and assembly of my Professional Resource File, I can now direct parents toward resources which might have been difficult to find. The CDA process helped me learn where and how to look for resources online and within the community, and how to advocate for children.
My mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I started to wonder what this meant and worried my...
It takes a village to raise a child, the old proverb tells us. But we need to expand our perspective, according to pediatric surgeon, social scientist and mom Dana Suskind. In her heartfelt work, Parent...
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...
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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