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...
Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON, DC — Early childhood educators have twin goals as their centers begin to reopen; they must focus on health and safety while also finding creative ways to engage young learners. These are the major findings from the advisory committee of educators who hold the Child Development Associate® Credential (CDA), administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council has issued over 800,000 CDAs to child care providers; the credential is a key stepping stone for career advancement in early childhood education.
Child care providers had to reduce their student size or close classrooms as a result of the COVID-19 health measures. As states and local communities begin to lift restrictions, the Council convened a committee to explore the new challenges.
The Council’s CEO, Dr. Calvin Moore Jr., holds a CDA himself. “CDAs know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual and social development of children. These historic challenges mean we must quickly react to circumstances. I’m grateful to the advisory committee for sharing their practical, on-the-ground strategies and advice that will safely smooth the transition for early childhood educators, children and parents.”
Most of all, the committee highlighted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines should be consulted: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html. Child care providers should also regularly check state and local government websites for specific details.
Reopening Recommendations
The committee suggested that providers meet virtually with parents and children before reopening—perhaps separately with the children—to answer questions and explain new procedures.
It’s recommended that child care providers meet parents at the front door and check temperatures of all children. Providers should also ask parents if the child has COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to anyone at home with COVID-19.
If parents choose not to comply with health guidelines, the committee believes the early childhood center should feel confident asking parents not to have their child/children attend for the good of the community.
Games, Songs and Creative Ideas Make Physical Distancing Fun
The CDA process encourages making learning fun and engaging, and that spirit continues during this time of physical distancing.
The advisory committee suggested that turning the new rules into a game will help to prevent children from becoming frustrated with constant reminders to follow the guidelines. The use of dolls to demonstrate how to wear a mask is an effective way to convey the importance of wearing it correctly. Providers can teach children ways to express themselves with a mask; they can use expressive eyes with a wink or raised eyebrow.
CDAs also said it’s good to create new lyrics for familiar songs, such as Old MacDonald (“I protect you wearing my mask, Ee i ee i o. You protect me wearing your mask, Ee i ee i o”).
Children may be accustomed to hugs, but they are no longer appropriate in the classroom. Providers can teach children to air hug, hug a teddy bear or hug themselves.
The full set of findings from the advisory committee is at www.cdacouncil.org/cda-advisory-committee. A downloadable and Spanish version are available.
The members of the committee are:
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 birth to 5 years old. The Council recognizes and credentials professionals who work in all types of early care and education settings including Head Start, pre-k, infant-toddler, family childcare, and home visitor programs. As a nonprofit organization, the Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing. To date, over 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued around the world. For more information, visit www.cdacouncil.org.
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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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