Policy & Advocacy Pathways
Working with the Federal, State and Local Government to advance early childhood education.
Championing Policies that Impact the Early Childhood Workforce
The Council for Professional Recognition has a long legacy of leading credentialing for early childhood educators – and now we’re stepping up to advocate for them and the field in the halls of Congress and in state legislatures.
The current fragmented nature of the early childhood system results in far too many missed opportunities for children, families, and communities to thrive and succeed. We believe that highly competent educators are the backbone of early childhood education and our economy, and that championing policies that support them and recognize their value uplifts us all. With our policy agenda serving as our guiding light, we’re committed to driving policy solutions that create a brighter future.
Council for Professional Recognition Statement on the Proposed Head Start Rule
In August, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposed significant changes to Head Start governance and staffing requirements. For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided children and families with early learning, child care, health, nutrition, child development and family-support services.
The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ has been closely connected to Head Start since its creation in the 1970s through a federal initiative led by ACF. The CDA® offers an accessible, competency-based pathway into early childhood education and remains an important qualification for many Head Start educators.
While the Council supports efforts to reduce unnecessary requirements and expand workforce flexibility, the proposed rule could eliminate CDA-related qualification requirements for several Head Start positions, including family child care providers and home visitors. This change could weaken workforce quality and harm the children, families, and educators in Head Start.
The Council urges ACF to preserve the CDA® credential as a foundational competency-based qualification for all Head Start early educators who are committed to serving children and families regardless of setting.
Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Council for Professional Recognition
State Legislation and Regulations Map
We’re expanding our government relations and advocacy efforts and want to keep you updated on policies that may impact early childhood education. Below is an interactive map, updated daily, that tracks state legislation and regulations, offering real-time insights into key policy trends and opportunities.