Published by CounciLINK on February 28, 2019
Ready to take your training organization to the next level? Then there’s no time like the present to apply for our Gold Standard designation. The application window opens March 1 and closes April 15.
In the past, some programs claiming to prepare students for their CDA credential have failed them. We want to assure CDA students’ success with training that encompasses all of their needs.
CDA Gold Standard is a recognition of excellence in early childhood education training. It quickly identifies an organization as a leading CDA training program and makes it a sought-after option for students.
CDA students receive training and professional development from many sources and different types of organizations, so we offer two CDA Gold Standard categories:
Comprehensive: This is designed for organizations that offer CDA® coursework encompassing the entire CDA® preparation process and specifically meet the Eight (8) CDA® Subject Areas. Training standards require 10 hours for each of the Eight (8) CDA® Subject Areas and a total of 120 clock hours of study.
Select: This option is designed for organizations that offer CDA® coursework in at least four (4) of the Eight (8) CDA® Subject Areas. Training standards require 10 hours for each of the four courses selected from the list of Eight (8) CDA® Subject Areas and a total of 60 clock hours of study.
So don’t forget, the window opens March 1 and closes April 15!! www.cdacouncil.org/goldstandard
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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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