A New Website for a New Era: 7 Pathways Designed for You
May 27, 2021
Home > Newsletters > A New Website for a New Era: 7 Pathways Designed for You
In recent years, our CDA® community has taken leaps and strides in collective growth. At the Council, we have been honored to issue nearly 1 million Child Development Associate® (CDA) credentials to early childhood professionals. We’ve also increased the scope of our engagement with high school CTE programs, thought partners, policymakers and more. As we look toward a new era for the CDA®, we are committed to advocating for lasting change within the early childhood education sector and expanding the CDA® globally so that all children can receive access to the quality education they deserve.
In order to best serve the needs of our growing community, we have redesigned our website to provide a streamlined, user-friendly experience for website visitors old and new. As you explore the new website, we invite you to follow the new user pathway system. You can find the pathway links at the top of the home page:
If you scroll down on the home page, you can also access the pathways by selecting your role here:
What are the 7 pathways?
1. Educator
Who is this pathway designed for?
Current or prospective Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ holders
Current or prospective early childhood educators
What can I find in this pathway?
Log into YourCouncil – Find CDA training
Learn more about the CDA
Learn how to renew your CDA or MSA
Learn how to apply for the Center-Based Infant-Toddler CDA credential
Learn how to apply for the Center-Based Preschool CDA credential
Learn how to apply for the Family Child Care CDA credential
Learn how to apply for the Home Visitor CDA credential
Learn how to apply for the Military-School Age (MSA) credential
Find a PD Specialist
Find scholarships
Purchase materials
Learn how to apply for a CDA in other languages
Learn about special exam accommodations
FAQs and more
2. High School
Who is this pathway designed for?
High school faculty and administrators
High school students
What can I find in this pathway?
For faculty and administrators: learn how to launch a CDA program at your high school
For faculty and administrators: pre-order the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Handbook for High School: A Guide to Advocacy and Implementation
For students: learn the benefits of earning a CDA during high school
Learn about state career and technical education programs
3. Advanced Career
Who is this pathway designed for?
Current or prospective Professional Development Specialists
Current or prospective Gold Standard Specialists
What can I find in this pathway?
Log into YourCouncil
Learn how to become a Professional Development Specialist (PDS)
Learn how to become a Gold Standard Specialist (GSS)
Find PDS resources and more
4. Partnering Organizations
Who is this pathway designed for?
Prospective organizational partners
What can I find in this pathway?
Learn how to partner with the Council for Professional Recognition
Learn how to join the Council Alumni Network (CAN)
Learn how to apply to become a Gold Standard organization
5. Government Administrators
Who is this pathway designed for?
Government staff, aides and policymakers (federal, state and local)
Media/journalists
Researchers
What can I find in this pathway?
Learn how the Council for Professional Recognition collaborates with government decision-makers on local, state and national levels
Visit the Council for Professional Recognition’s media room to access fact sheets and press releases
Download forms and more
6. Parents & Families
Who is this pathway designed for?
Parents/guardians of children age birth to five
Parents/guardians of prospective high school ECE/CDA students
What can I find in this pathway?
Learn why CDA-certified educators are equipped to provide the highest level of care for children age birth to five
Discover blogs and resources on child development for children age birth to five
Learn how high school students can apply for the CDA
7. Our Community
Who is this pathway designed for?
Current or prospective Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ holders
Early childhood educators
Early childhood directors and administrators
Education advocates
Individuals who seek to support early childhood education in their local communities
What can I find in this pathway?
Learn how to join the Council Alumni Network (CAN)
Discover ECE testimonial stories about the power of the CDA
Learn about the National Certification for ECE Lead Teachers Feasibility Study
What else do I need to know about the new website?
The new website is designed to provide a streamlined, intuitive user experience for all website visitors. However, we realize that it can take a few days to adjust to a new interface. So, if you find yourself wondering where to find a page, we invite you to use our search button located on the home page:
The pathways menu also includes a link to information about our annual EELC conference, coming soon in October 2021.
We look forward to hearing your feedback on the new website! If you have any questions, feedback or concerns, please contact us at cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org.
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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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