Published by CounciLINK on May 23, 2019
If you had an awesome learning experience at last year’s Early Educators Leadership Conference in Maryland, you’re really going to love this year’s EELC in Atlanta, set for Oct 8-11. And you’ll get to enjoy it in style!
The conference is being held at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort on Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain, of course, has a rich history that dates back to the Civil War. It was even mentioned in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic I Have a Dream speech.
The resort has lots of every-room features, including plush bedding, a mini-refrigerator, a reading chair, an ample desk and Wi-Fi. Generous suites enjoy separate living, dining and sleeping areas and inviting outdoor space with scenic views.
And, of course, we have some outstanding speakers and sessions on tap. This month, we’ll start highlighting speakers and sessions:
Be the Change: Agents for Educational Leadership
» Shifts Happen as We Reframe
Presenter: Mary E. Farrelly, Owner – Haniels Heart Healing Energy LLC
Session Description: Our thoughts create our reality and actions that we choose. As we learn to use The Reframe Game, we change our view of what we see. Shifts in our thinking occur as we reframe the thoughts we have running through our minds on a daily basis. The cognitive tool is about becoming aware of what we are thinking or saying to ourselves – our inner dialogue. Words have power and energy. Your thoughts and words affect your mind, your body and your spirit and thereby affect others around you. Take this technique, apply it to your own life, and teach it to those around you and you will shift.
A Dream and A Vision for the Workforce: Embarking on Innovative Practices
» Let’s Not Forget Our Boys: Prioritizing Differentiated Learning
Presenter: Nathan Hollis II, Assist. Dir.of Academic Prgms. – Grand Canyon University
Session Description: In line with the very significant #MeToo movement and similar initiatives, there has been a continued focus to build the social emotional toolkit of young girls in our school system in an effort to empower them and defy self-limiting mindsets. However, much of the culture in our American society will only improve once boys and men understand their roles in demonstrating personal responsibility, sustaining healthy relationships and committing to an empathetic and productive society. As educators, it is imperative we are clear about the nature of development for boys and identify productive methods for engaging and encouraging them.
Completing the Circle: Serving the Whole Child!
» One Child: Recognizing Early Signs of Mental Illness in Young Children
Presenter: Debra Pierce, Professor – Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Session Description: Studies tell us that mental illness in young children can begin early, but it is often not diagnosed for years. Statistics about young children from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are staggering and illustrate how important it is to address this issue. As administrators, program. directors and early educators, we need to be aware of the subtle indicators that are too often misinterpreted or ignored. Paying attention to specific behaviors, body language and reactions to environmental stimuli during daily interactions can give us opportunities to initiate early intervention.
Charting Unfamiliar Waters: The Global Language of Learning
» Introducing the CDA to Africa
Presenter: Muriel Baskerville, International Visiting Instructor – Badr University Cairo
Learning Objectives:
1. List challenges for expanding internationally.
2. Determine strengths of local community.
3. Develop strategies for introduction/implementation.
So don’t waste any time. Register for this scintillating conference today!!! For more information, go to www.cdacouncil.org/eelc
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...
In April 2022, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued new guidance and an Information Memoranda (IM) announcing the long-awaited, family-friendly policy of permitting families and guardians to use proof of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
The CDA Advisory Committee was created to provide insights, perspectives, and best practices to the CDA community and other early childhood professionals. Established during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members’ first-hand experiences...
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.
