Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, a non-profit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, has joined the Thrive Coalition.
The Thrive Coalition is made up of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving all aspects of early childhood development (ECD) around the world. With more than 40 members, the work of the Coalition focuses on child protection, education, health, inclusion, nutrition, vulnerable children, family engagement, and water, sanitation and hygiene.
The Coalition makes the case for U.S. government investment in global ECD through direct advocacy, strategic engagement, and close coordination. The Coalition provides a forum for discussion, consensus building, coordination, learning, strategy, and advocacy on issues related to global ECD.
The Council’s CEO, Dr. Calvin Moore Jr., says, “We are excited to join the Thrive Coalition and work to further the understanding and importance of early childhood development. I have seen firsthand from my time in classrooms and through the Council’s work how beneficial and impactful supporting young children can be for their futures.”
For more information about the Thrive Coalition, visit www.thrive-coalition.org/ and the Council, visit www.cdacouncil.org.
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, close to one million Child Development Associate (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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