SPONSORED BLOGThe Child Development Associate® (CDA) is the most widely known credential in early childhood education. When a person earns their CDA®, it demonstrates that they possess the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with colleagues, students and families.
There are a number of reasons why you should earn your CDA—and even more to maintain it.
Here are five strong arguments for keeping up with your credential.
First and foremost, it’s the most-recognized accreditation in the early childhood field, and an important step if you’re serious about your professional (and personal) growth and development. A lot of time, teachers wonder how they can advance in their field. When you possess your credential, you open yourself up (and keep yourself open) to limitless possibilities and advancement opportunities.
Second, maintaining your CDA offers a practical way to keep your skills sharp and preserve a foundation for delivering high-quality care to young children. In turn, this will help you continue to increase your personal confidence and capabilities as an educator. When you’re confident, you raise your productivity, communicate more effectively and stand out from your peers.
Third, you’ll continue to be exposed to a large community of qualified, hardworking early childhood educators and professionals. Networking is an essential part of a job search, so having these relationships and connections will give you more opportunities to advance your career.
Fourth, by holding your CDA credential, you are more marketable. The CDA demonstrates quality, which boosts parents’ sense of confidence and trust in you. Schools and centers can use this to attract new families. When enrollment increases, the bottom line improves and potentially translates into higher wages. Additionally, many states and accrediting bodies require teachers to have their CDA to hold certain positions.
Finally, you should always keep your CDA current because earning your credential was an investment in the first place. Getting a credential back is usually much harder than keeping it up to date.
If you’re thinking about earning your CDA, look no further. Start with ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), a Comprehensive CDA Gold StandardSM provider. As a Gold Standard provider, CCEI has successfully demonstrated that our program meets the Council’s three industry-leading principles: alignment with the CDA formal early childhood education coursework, sound business policies, and practices and quality services that meet students’ educational and professional needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Start a new program today or click HERE to take advantage of CCEI’s Renewal Amnesty offer—a limited-time chance to get CDA renewal training at just $149. Take advantage of this great opportunity by using promo code RenewalAmnesty21 now through May 31, 2021.
A couple of years before becoming a mother, I saw the classic movie Terms of Endearment. Before the opening credits, the film portrayed Aurora, played by Shirley MacLaine, as a worried mom who checked on...
“Every child deserves a champion,” said longtime teacher Rita Pierson in a famous TED talk. She was talking about “an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and...
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I wanted to share how it is important for us all to reflect on women’s progress in the business world and the importance of supporting and empowering...
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...
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.
Read our monthly e-newsletter and keep up to date on all Council programs and services, as well as the latest news in the world of early care and education. Subscribe today to stay connected with us. You’ll receive timely information on events, webinars, special promotions, and more.
