Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON – The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in early childhood education, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing historic legislation, the Child Care Is Essential Act (H.R. 7027), that recognizes and responds to the imperative needs of families for high quality child care and early education through the pandemic. The Council calls on the Senate and the Administration to offer bipartisan support for the funds needed to sustain and stabilize the child care sector in the COVID relief package that is now being negotiated.
As a result of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 60% of U.S. child care providers have closed their doors, and it is estimated that 40% of the centers that existed prior to COVID-19 will close permanently unless they receive additional assistance, according to a National Association for the Education of Young Children survey of more than 5,000 childcare providers.
The Child Care Is Essential Act will help keep child care providers open by granting them access to a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund to cover expenses such as payroll and rent, regardless of whether they are open or closed and the number of children enrolled. These funds are imperative for child care providers who play an integral role in the nation’s ability to economically recover from the pandemic.
“The action we have seen by the U.S. House of Representatives is important,” said Council CEO Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr. “We hope that the Senate will also pass legislation that will provide the resources that are so desperately needed to keep child care centers and family home care homes open. Providing an environment that is safe for our children and gives parents peace of mind will benefit us all.
The Council and its 800,000 Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential-holders stand ready to support families in new and different ways as childcare providers navigate social-emotional learning, safety, communication and more.
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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