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 Council for Professional Recognition that covers the cost of credential fees and books so early childhood educators in the state can earn the Child Development Associate®.
The Council for Professional Recognition is the nonprofit that administers the globally recognized competency credential, the Child Development Associate®. It’s the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE), and a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA® is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualified educators of young children. The Council works to ensure that the nationally transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development.
Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., the Council’s CEO who holds a CDA himself, says, “I encourage everyone who already holds a CDA to reach out and recruit just one more candidate. I encourage everyone who has a family member or friend in early education to alert them to this opportunity. This is too good of an opening to let it go by without everyone participating!”
Eligible candidates are registered family child care providers and licensed child care center staff.
Currently, about 3,000 Marylanders hold a CDA and supporters think this initiative will greatly increase the number.
Maryland is the third best state in the U.S. for early childhood education, according to recent research, and this CDA opportunity will help it continue to be a leader.
If you are interested in this life changing professional development opportunity or know someone who is interested in taking the next step in their ECE career, listen to Dr. Moore and apply here.
Please note funds are limited and this program will end soon.
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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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