In the past few days, the information about the coronavirus has increased significantly. Schools and early childhood centers are being asked to prepare for a nationwide surge in cases.
We want to let you know that the Council for Professional Recognition is monitoring the situation and offers the following recommendations for educators and parents with small children:
• Everyone should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing hands if soap and water are not available.
• Disinfect all surfaces, toys and. other items that children and staff may use.
• Cover noses and mouths with a tissue or cloth when sneezing. Avoid touching eyes and face.
• Educators should be prepared with ample inventory of masks, gloves, aprons, etc.
• Parents be sure to keep sick children home until they’re fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
• Ask your children’s early childhood center about their plans for dismissals or closures.
We are continuing to monitor the situation, but urge you to seek out reliable sources for up to date information including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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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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