THE QUEST FOR EQUITY IN EDUCATION
The power of education to level the playing field has long been an American article of faith.
1962
Perry Preschool Project
This project targeted African American children ages 3-4 years old with below average IQs from poor families. Teachers taught problem-solving techniques and conducted home visits with families.
1965
Head Start Program
This program focused on improving school readiness for low-income children through health, education and nutritional services.
1971
Abecedarian Project
This project targeted infants of teen moms, who were high-school dropouts from low-income families. Teachers provided enriched caregiving and individualized instruction.
Children who attended these preschool programs were more likely to:
“For every $1 we spend in these early childhood programs, we get $10 back in reduced welfare rolls, fewer health care costs and less crime.” — President Barack Obama
Building A Firm Foundation
Key criteria for developing early childhood programs for children ages birth to five:
The Home Visitor CDA® Trains Teachers to Work Productively with Families by:
Equity in education “means supporting children’s belief in their ability to learn and teaching them to effectively navigate the rules and demands of schools as an institution of the larger society.” — Louise Derman-Sparks, Perry Preschool Project Teacher
See our white paper, Standing Up for the Best in the American Dream: The Poverty Cycle and the Impact of Pre-K, for more information on equity in education. Council for Professional Recognition. Washington, D.C, February 2020. www.cdacouncil.org
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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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