Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the organization that promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in early childhood education, has named Michelle L. Brown as chief of staff. A nationally recognized early care and education expert, Brown brings three decades of experience to her new role, including experience in an early childhood center in an underserved neighborhood.
Brown will work directly with the Council’s CEO, Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr., and across the nonprofit organization to help develop and execute the Council’s mission and vision. Her responsibilities will also include work around the Council’s public policy agenda, communications, event coordination, international relations and publications.
Brown began her career in early childhood as a Head Start teacher and Early Childhood Lab School Director in Toledo, Ohio. She continued her work advocating for children and families in positions at the local, state and national levels. Her work in Washington, DC, in fact began at the Council as a participant in the National Head Start Fellowship program. She has held key positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start, National Head Start Association and ZERO TO THREE. She earned a bachelor’s degree in child development and family community services and a master’s degree in early childhood special education, both from Bowling Green State University.
“I am proud to welcome Michelle back to the Council having been a Head Start Fellow,” says Moore. “Her experience, knowledge and background in early education will further enhance the work we are doing. She understands what it is like to be in a classroom with young children, as well as how to work on a policy agenda. We share a passion and commitment to providing all children with access to equitable learning opportunities.”
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to join the Council,” says Brown. “It seems all the things I have done in the past have led me here. I began my career helping our youngest learners imagine and grow in new and exciting ways, and I bring those experiences with me every day in this position. The Council has a significant role to play in getting more early childhood caregivers interested in advancing their skills and knowledge.”
The mission of the Council is to promote improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old through the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential. The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. To date, over 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued around the world.
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.
Each year I update my professional bio and pause at the part where it says, “Rachel Robertson has worked in the field for over X years”. Not because I can’t believe it or can’t remember,...
Teachers aren’t keen to bring up the topic of COVID, according to their Facebook posts. “I don’t think we are allowed to,” one teacher wrote. “There’s no way I’m going near that subject since it’s...
CDA®. These three little letters can change the entire trajectory of your career. The Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential is the most widely known and valued credential in early childhood education. By earning your CDA,...
Each December, people take stock of the year and think of what is to come in the new year. I am no exception. Working for an organization like the Council for Professional Recognition has been...
The Council for Professional Recognition applauds the House of Representatives on passage of the Build Back Better Act. This historic investment in early care and education will provide critically needed resources by supporting increased access to...
“If you have support and people believing in you, you can do anything,” says Rory Sipp, Senior Vice President of Acelero Learning, the largest provider of Head Start services in Nevada. He saw how true...
The Council for Professional Recognition applauds the critical investments in early care and education included in the Build Back Better Act. This historic move will help children return to stable, developmentally appropriate, high-quality care, and help parents,...
It’s the start of a new school year which means it’s a wonderful time to think about how you engage with your students’ parents. Below are five tips to think about when planning how to...
The morning sun lit a clear, blue sky as America started its day. Highways filled with traffic and railroads rumbled with trains. Planes soared into that cloudless sky, two from Boston, one from Newark and...
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.
Read our monthly e-newsletter and keep up to date on all Council programs and services, as well as the latest news in the world of early care and education. Subscribe today to stay connected with us. You’ll receive timely information on events, webinars, special promotions, and more.
