The Preparation of the CDA Professional Portfolio: A Gratifying and Creative ExperienceThis webinar will focus on successful preparation of the CDA® Professional Portfolio, based on the Council’s requirements. The presenters will provide clear, accurate information about the components and content of the portfolio. They will offer tips as they guide attendees through the complete process of putting the portfolio together. And attendees will have opportunities to ask any questions they might have about the portfolio and get the answers they need.
July 7, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
CDA Exam Special AccommodationsLearn how the Council has built equitable practices, policies and procedures into the CDA credentialing process to assist candidates who need special accommodations for the CDA exam. The presenters will share the requirements and steps for CDA candidates to receive special accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There will be opportunities to ask questions.
August 4, 2023
English
1:00 PM– 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
Spanish
3:00 – 4:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
October 20, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
Overview of the CDA Credentialing Process: Prepare, Apply, DemonstrateLearn how to earn the CDA® credential. This session will take you step by step through the CDA assessment process and how it advances your growth as a professional in ECE. You’ll get clear, detailed information on developing the CDA Professional Portfolio, and how to prepare for the verification visit and exam. This is a great session for individuals interested in obtaining our national credential, as well as instructors, mentors and coaches who guide candidates in preparing for the CDA assessment. There will be opportunities to ask questions.
October 12, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
Register Here
Applying for an Assessment in Another Language (available in English only)The Council celebrates and respects diversity in the early childhood field. Our goal is to work with all candidates involved in programs that require them to use a different language in working with children and their families. Learn how the Council has built equitable practices, policies and procedures into the CDA credentialing process to ensure our diverse teachers a rewarding CDA assessment experience and opportunity for professional growth. The presenters will provide an overview of the CDA assessment, verification visit and exam for candidates who work in languages other than English or Spanish.
August 18
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now
November 2
English
11:00 AM -12:30 PM (EDT)
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This session will take you step by step through the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Exam experience and increase your confidence throughout the process. You will learn about scheduling the exam with Pearson VUE, how to prepare for the exam, what happens on the day of the exam, and in the days that follow. There will be a virtual mini tour of a Pearson VUE exam site and recommendations for responding to several multiple-choice sample questions like those posed in the exam. This is a great session for educators who wish to become familiar with the CDA exam experience, feel less anxious as they prepare for the exam and get the answers to any questions they might have.
September 1, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
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November 9, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
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The Verification Visit Experience—An Inside Look This session is designed exclusively for early childhood educators who are preparing for the CDA® assessment. The session will take you through the verification visit step by step, from how to prepare to what follows when the visit is complete. There will be many opportunities to ask questions, so you know just what to expect.
September 22, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
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December 7, 2023
English
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now
Spanish
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now
CDA® Credentialing System for Home Visitors: Professionalizing Your Work in the Field of Home VisitationThis FREE session will provide clear, accurate information about the CDA® credentialing system for educators working in home visiting programs. We will talk about the value of the CDA for home visitors and the professional growth opportunities it provides. Attendees will receive up-to-date information on all steps involved in the CDA® assessment and credentialing process for home visitors: its components, eligibility requirements, formal education and documentation requirements, CDA® Verification Visit™, and renewal process. We will offer opportunities to ask questions. And we encourage anyone who’s interested—candidates and coordinators, directors, administrators and mentors—to join us and learn more.
August 8, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
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October 24, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
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Whether you’re just starting out in the early childhood field, or you’ve been teaching for years, chances are you’ve heard the term CDA at least a few times. The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is...
SPONSORED BLOG Excitement. Jitters. Uncertainty. The new school year comes with a multitude of emotions and challenges — but thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare and ensure it’s the...
Language and literacy skills are fundamental building blocks for a child’s development, enabling effective communication, social interaction, and academic success throughout grade school and beyond. For young children with disabilities, however, traditional educational models may...
The Council for Professional Recognition’s Council Alumni Network (CAN) recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. This free community boasts 1200+ members. CAN is a diverse group of stakeholders in early childhood education (ECE) across the U.S....
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...
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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