Ken Murphy
news@cdacouncil.org
The Council for Professional Recognition (the Council) and ChinaWise have officially launched a pilot program in China that aims to analyze and understand China’s early childhood education field and to introduce the Child Development Associate Credential to early educators working there with children from birth to five. With 105 million children under the age of six, there is great demand and need for childcare settings for infants/toddlers, preschool, pre-k and home visitors.
“Following several years of planning together, we are pleased to begin our partnership with ChinaWise to offer the Child Development Associate credential in China. We look forward to working with higher education and professional development services in China to further our mutual passion of excellence in early childhood education for all children,” said Valora Washington, chief executive officer, Council for Professional Recognition.
ChinaWise will use the Council’s CDA Competency Standards materials through ChildWise International LLC and its subsidiary (“ChildWise”)to provide CDA credentialing in the Greater China Region. The partnership will pilot the introduction of CDA training and the CDA® Credential using the Council’s proven and established early childhood education content and by following the Council’s training and competencies requirements. This will assist the partnership in further developing a credential that embraces leading education standards and respects the Chinese cultural and institutional environment.
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). www.cdacouncil.org
ABOUT CHINAWISE
CHINAWISE has been facilitating exchange in the educational, business and cultural spheres between China and the United States for more than 15 years. CHINAWISE has developed cross-cultural expertise and trusted relationships in government, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses in both countries. CHINAWISE understands the complexity of such exchanges and has gained hands-on experience in taking successful products and services in the U.S. and helping them thrive in local settings in China, by working with like-minded partners from multiple sectors.
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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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