Did you know Maryland early childhood teachers now have a special perk that can help them and the children they serve? The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded the Council for Professional Recognition a $1 million grant that covers the cost of credentialing fees and books so early childhood educators in the state can earn a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™.
The Council administers the CDA®, the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement in the field. The CDA® is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualified educators of young children. The Council works constantly to ensure that the nationally transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development and growth.
So, Maryland early childhood educators shouldn’t miss this special chance to earn a CDA, says Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., the Council’s CEO and a CDA holder, himself. “I encourage everyone who already holds a CDA to reach out and recruit just one more candidate. I also urge everyone who has a family member or friend in early education to alert them to this opportunity. This is too good an opening to let it go by without everyone joining in!”
Eligible candidates are registered family child care providers and licensed child care center staff. They’ll be joining some 3,000 Marylanders who already hold a CDA. And we expect high demand for the high-quality care these newly minted CDAs will provide. Maryland is the third-best state in the U.S. for early childhood education, according to recent research, and the Maryland grant will help it continue to be a leader.
It will also help you take the first step toward becoming a leader in our profession. If you’re interested in this life-changing chance for professional growth or know someone who is, act now. Learn more by listening to Dr. Moore and apply here.
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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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