Published by CounciLINK on September 26, 2019
As a CDA® candidate, you should look for high-quality training providers. Here is some guidance for finding a strong training provider or education program that will help you successfully complete your CDA®.
Invest in yourself: Don’t settle for the first program you come across; your education and time are valuable. Look for programs that offer robust curricula and comprehensive services that will support you through each stage of the process, including building your Professional Portfolio, applying online and helping you find resources to fund your application.
One size does not fit all: Everyone’s circumstances differ. This means that traditional training models may not be right for you. Look into online or hybrid models, as these provide added flexibility and accessibility.
Get your money’s worth: Ensure that you receive the full amount of training that you pay for. If you are applying for your initial CDA®, you will need 120 hours of professional education; you will need 45 hours if you are renewing your CDA®. If you locate a training provider that offers CDA® courses but claims you can complete your courses in a “fast track,” you may not actually receive the full hours necessary to either earn or renew your credential.
Ensure the integrity of your application: While some training providers employ Professional Development Specialists (PD Specialist, or PDSTM), we encourage you to find a PDSTM who will support the integrity of your application. Be mindful of PDSTM practices, as these providers are held to high standards when working on behalf of the Council and serving you as the candidate.
Here’s how to get started: Browse through our list of training organizations that have successfully met the Council’s CDA® Gold StandardSM criteria to provide quality CDA® training, as well as our list of Council partners.
Remember that your work is important. You are changing the lives of children, and we are happy that you would choose to embark on this professional development journey.
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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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