Messages from the Movies
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...
The Council is revving up for the 2022 Early Educators Leadership Conference. This year’s conference will focus on a timely theme: Leading Career Pathways to Equity. Learn ways to move our profession ahead by advocating for young children, their families—and the educators who serve them. Join us as we encourage, educate and elevate those in our field who are doing so much to lift our children up.
Our retreat-style conference will offer nearly 30 sessions custom tailored to your interests and concerns. You will gain inspiration and vital information on how to improve your daily work with children, families and colleagues. You’ll also learn ways to be at your best for them in cutting-edge sessions on self-care.
And you can catch some rays while you enrich your life since this year’s conference will be held in Orlando, FL, on October 5-8. It’s a great time to visit the Sunshine State, and we’ll be meeting at a great place, the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. This lovely, family-friendly resort is close to many local attractions, so think about arriving early or extending your stay to take advantage of all the area has to offer.
Ready to Register?
Ready to learn more and register for this exciting event? There’s no better time than now. We look forward to greeting you at the Early Educators leadership Conference in 2022. Let’s lead the way toward helping more teachers have rewarding and well-compensated careers—the key to recruiting and retaining folks who can help all young learners succeed. More equity for our early childhood teachers means more equity for the children they serve.
Ready to Share Your Expertise?
Consider presenting at this year’s conference. We are now accepting proposals and we welcome your ideas. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on how to steer our sector toward more equity in the workplace and the classroom. The deadline to submit your proposal is March 4, 2022.
Ready for Great News?
If you’d like to join us at this year’s conference, we have great news for you! The Council is offering scholarships. Find out who is eligible, learn how to apply and be sure to share the information. We’re accepting scholarship applications from February 25 to May 6.
Ready for ECE Practitioner Day 2022?
Get set for a full day geared toward the support and well-being of CDA professionals and practitioners in the ECE field. Attend professional development sessions, health and self-care, along with the chance to network with your peers. Practitioner Day will take place on October 8, 2022.
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.
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