Ken Murphy
news@cdacouncil.org
Students interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education now have the convenience of online learning and higher education opportunities through the partnership between the Council for Professional Recognition (the Council) and Ashworth College in Georgia. Ashworth has an ongoing initiative to develop “stackable credentials,” which allow students to earn multiple credentials to possibly earn school credits in post-secondary institutions,so that graduates of the Child Development Associate (CDA®) Credential course are able to earn credits in the early childhood education associate’s degree program.The Council administers the national CDA credential.
“In today’s world, we need to constantly think about the most effective ways early childhood educators can access educational training including e-learning,” Valora Washington, chief executive officer, Council for Professional Recognition said.“Ashworth College’s online CDA program helps to ensure the CDA’s Competencies are applied to any early childhood setting, which will eventually guide their knowledge in degree program classes if they choose that path.”
One of Ashworth College’s current initiatives includes developinga career and technical education track for high school students in early childhood education that can lead them towards the CDA and higher education opportunities. “It’s important to us to provide multiple pathways of success for our students,” Dr. Christine Jax, Ashworth’s Chief Academic Officer, said. “Our students have the potential to really make a difference in the lives of young children, and we know the CDA credential can help ensure this.”
ABOUT THE COUNCIL FOR PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages zero to 5 years old. The Council recognizes and credentials professionals who work in all types of early care and education settings –Head Start, pre-k, infant-toddler, family child care, and home visitor programs. As a non-profit agency, the Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing, publishes the industry leading training books and workbooks, including its CDA Competency Standards and Essentials textbook and workbook (2ndedition) available in English and Spanish. www.cdacouncil.org
ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE
Ashworth College is a for-profit college based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia that offers several different types of higher education and secondary education programs and degrees. All career training and college programs are offered through the college’s online platform. Their mission is to empower students to achieve their aspirations through flexible, convenient, affordable, and highly relevant educational programs.
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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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