CounciLIVE launched this June, and since then its featured speakers have stirred audience members to grow in every aspect of their ECE careers. Our great lineup of early childhood experts has challenged us all to reflect, advocate and learn from their wisdom and wonderful words. Looking back on what we’ve heard so far, these 5 quotes struck us as the most vigorous calls to action for our community—and we know they’ll inspire you, too.
1. “What makes the world so exciting is DIFFERENCES. So, we need to start honoring these differences, and make sure we embrace and celebrate them in our daily activities with children and families.”—Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis, National Black Child Development Institute-Atlanta Affiliate & WINGS Curriculum
Listen to “Creating a Culturally Responsive ECE Workforce,” a conversation with Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis and Sandra Kowalchek (Council for Professional Recognition, Manager of Government Relations).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. “When we talk about the opportunity gap, it’s not a gap in skills or potential. It’s a gap in the systems or opportunities that kids have access to. So, if we got rid of those gaps in opportunity and everyone had opportunity and resources and positive experiences, then we wouldn’t have an achievement gap. It’s a shift in focus from the child to the system. Our kids aren’t broken, our systems are broken. So, homing in on how we can improve the system and distribute opportunity equitably is where the focus needs to be.”—Dr. Shantel Meek, Children’s Equity Project
Listen to “Building Equity in ECE,” a conversation with Dr. Shantel Meek and Michelle Brown (Council for Professional Recognition, Executive VP, Programs Division).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. “Self-reflection is a part of my daily routine. In order for us to be intentional, we have to self-reflect every day. And we have to self-reflect on three key areas. As teachers, we can have our lesson plans for the week and materials ready, but your plan doesn’t always work out the way you thought it would. You need to reflect daily on: (1) What worked, and how did you play a role in that? (2) What did not work, and how did you play a role in that? (3) What could have been better, and how did you play a role in that? I don’t believe you can grow if you don’t self-reflect. We grow if we reflect each day.”—Dr. Cindy Shackelford, Department Chair, Jefferson State Community College
Listen to “What is ECE Professionalism?,” a conversation with Dr. Cindy Shackelford and Abena Ocran-Jackson (Council for Professional Recognition, VP of Credentialing).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. “My passion for this work is really rooted in social justice, my undying love for language, belief that every child deserves the right to decide their own future—and realizing that anything less than that is criminal and unjust. We are facing an illiteracy epidemic, and this is not new.”—Dr. Ryan Lee-James, Rollins Center for Language & Literacy
Listen to “Literacy & Equity in ECE,” a conversation with Dr. Ryan Lee-James and Savannah DiMarco (Council for Professional Recognition, Digital Marketing Manager).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. But wait…more is coming soon in the next CounciLIVE episodes! Tune in on Thursday, 9/23, at 1 PM EST for a conversation on the Power of Creativity in ECE, featuring CDA® Advisory Committee members Aaron “Buddy” Rhodes and Keisha McClendon!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
And mark your calendar for Thursday, 9/30, at 1 PM EST for a special episode on Pre-K Physical Development, featuring Dr. Fran Cleland, West Chester University professor and former SHAPE America president.
Professional development is absolutely critical to your success, as well as the success of all the children in your care. Not to mention in most states, you’re required to complete a minimum number of training...
This month marks my second year at the Council for Professional Recognition. When I first arrived at the Council, I was no stranger to the organization or its mission, as I had been involved with...
Schools are microcosms of the world beyond their walls. Factors like race, culture, class and gender set the stage for what takes place in our schools as learners from different groups interact. The conflicts that...
There is no denying the academic and emotional impact of the pandemic on children. News websites and TV newscasts are full of stories about the unknown long-term effects of the past two years on kids....
Finding informative and trusted early childhood educator resources online can be a challenge. That’s why the CDA® Advisory Committee met virtually to learn more about the nonprofit, The Source for Learning (SFL) and its ECE...
Each year I update my professional bio and pause at the part where it says, “Rachel Robertson has worked in the field for over X years”. Not because I can’t believe it or can’t remember,...
Teachers aren’t keen to bring up the topic of COVID, according to their Facebook posts. “I don’t think we are allowed to,” one teacher wrote. “There’s no way I’m going near that subject since it’s...
CDA®. These three little letters can change the entire trajectory of your career. The Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential is the most widely known and valued credential in early childhood education. By earning your CDA,...
Each December, people take stock of the year and think of what is to come in the new year. I am no exception. Working for an organization like the Council for Professional Recognition has been...
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.
