Dear Colleagues,
“I have a dream,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”—words that stirred a massive crowd when Dr. King pronounced them at the March on Washington in 1963. And Dr. King’s dream still had the power to move us all as we marked his birthday this month. They should also encourage our teachers to keep striving for equity in early learning, a core value here at the Council.
We’re determined to reach it, though our field is facing roadblocks at this time. The hot debate over vaccine mandates has made its way into schools. And it’s not a new issue, as we point out in our blog, Should Teachers Talk About COVID? Teachers have long been in a tricky place as they try to honor both the wisdom of science and the wishes of vaccine-resistant parents. This conflict adds to the stress they now feel from the problems brought on by the pandemic. Loss of loved ones, isolation, and changes in routine have led to a mental health crisis among our kids, and it’s raised alarms nationwide. But our children aren’t the only ones who’ve suffered losses. Our early childhood teachers also have fears and concerns that make it harder for them to help the children heal. So, we must mind our teachers’ mental health, as Dr. Calvin Moore points out.
Dr. Moore also urged our field to reckon more with race in what was among the most popular EdSurge podcasts of 2021. “The U.S. is now focusing more on issues of bias,” he says, “so the ECE profession should seize the moment by stepping up its efforts to nix prejudice early on.”
And this month we profile a few of the folks who’ve gotten the message. Read about Mimi and Hwaida Hassanein, the owners of Kids Villa, where children from all cultures feel loved. Hwaida also has a training center, where she guides people worldwide in getting their CDA®. The credential has opened doors for the diverse teachers she serves. And the CDA has made a difference for Janna Rodriguez, a family child care provider who gives children of color the confidence they need. Janna just earned her CDA and she, too, has more confidence now as a teacher. She also has big plans for the future and hopes to start her own child care center soon.
Janna recently made the news as an advocate for the early childhood field. And advocacy is also on our minds—more and more in these trying days. So, we recently welcomed a new director of public policy to our ranks. A CDA holder, former preschool teacher and attorney, Brionnea Williams-McClary knows the value of the credential as a strong step toward success.
You’ll learn more ways to get ahead when we explore Leading Career Pathways to Equity at our Early Educators Leadership Conference this fall. Check out what’s ahead at the EELC Corner. And don’t forget to join our Virtual Advocacy Day during the week of March 28, 2022. Save the date to tell Congress that having more CDA-credentialed teachers will help more young children receive the early learning they need—now and in the future. Sure, we’ve been making our case for some time, but we shall overcome the obstacles we face. “The arc of the moral universe is long,” as Dr. King knew, “but it bends towards justice.” Together, we can fulfill our dream of equity in education.
With our warmest regards, now and in the future,
The Council for Professional Recognition
Where can you connect with CDA® holders and the wide range of folks who serve them? Turn to the Council Alumni Network (CAN), an online community that brings together current and past CDA earners, CDA...
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,...
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.
