Invisible Child: A Spotlight on Life in the Shadows
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 Council is ready to welcome you at 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.
Now is the Time to Register
Learn more and register for the premier conference in the ECE sector. You will learn ways to 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.
EELC Scholarship 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 through May 6.
Calling All PD Specialists
You, as a PD Specialist, lead rising teachers to reach new heights in their careers. Get the inspiration you need to fill this important role. Come to the next PDS Symposium, where we’ll explore a theme geared to you: Leadership Is Not a Gamble—Roll the D.I.C.E. (Diversity, Inclusion, Compassion and Equity). The symposium will take place on October 5, 2022, and is included with your EELC registration. More details are still in store, but you can count on one thing. The PDS Symposium is a sure bet to boost your leadership skills.
Brand-New Post Conference Event: 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 sessions on professional development, health and self-care, along with the chance to network with your peers. Practitioner Day will take place on October 8, 2022. Come early and take advantage of the special rates. If you are interested in presenting at this event, the Council is accepting proposals. Submit your proposal to inspire and support this community of practitioners
Become an EELC Sponsor
Come to the 2022 Early Childhood Educators Leadership Conference. It’s a chance to meet over 200 national and international leaders, policymakers, early childhood professionals, institutions of higher ed and early childhood training groups. They’ll all be under one roof and ready to explore vital issues in ECE. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the discussion. Show your commitment to our field by joining forces with us at the 2022 EELC.
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...
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,...
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.