Carol Kaplan
Public Relations Manager
Council for Professional Recognition
CarolK@cdacouncil.org
202-772-5476
Tour celebrates 45th anniversary of CDA® credential
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council for Professional Recognition will be touring the country in 2020 in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Child Development Associate® credential, also known as the CDA®.
The CDA® is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping- stone on the path to career advancement in ECE.
“The time has come for early childhood educators to get the recognition they deserve as professionals,” said Dr. Valora Washington, Ph.D. and CEO of the Council. “That’s why we’re taking our story across America. We want parents, educators and policy makers to recognize the value of the CDA® credential which establishes a baseline standard of core competencies for all early childhood educators, regardless of where they reside,” Washington continued. “A teacher with a CDA® is the best-prepared to teach our most precious resources, our children,” she said.
To date, over 800,000 CDA’s® have been issued in the U.S., Panama, Egypt, China and the U.A.E.
The tour is sponsored by ProSolutions Training, which offers CDA training for the CDA® credential. The company’s president, Carla Rogg, said, “When a teacher takes courses with us, she gets the benefit of extensive topic research and interactive technologies. Skilled teachers grow their careers and support the future generation’s well-being. Our goal is to continue inspiring potential and making a difference in the lives of children!”
As research continues to drive home that children receiving quality early childhood education fare better in life, and more states recognize the value of investing in preschool programs, the field will require more and better-qualified teachers.
The Council will travel to seven cities to offer more information about earning a CDA®. They are:
Attendees will have a chance to hear personally from Council CEO Dr. Valora Washington and our specialist staff representatives, ask questions, and take home literature with more information.
For more information on the CDA® credential, click here.
For a fact sheet on the CDA®, click here.
For Dr. Valora Washington’s bio, click here.
For a video message from Dr. Washington, click here.
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 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.
ABOUT PROSOLUTIONS TRAINING
ProSolutions Training provides online training to help early learning professionals in promoting the healthy growth and development for children. ProSolutions Training hosts and delivers high-quality, engaging professional development opportunities through its proprietary learning management system.
ProSolutions Training offers educators a 120-hour online CDA Training. This curriculum meets the education requirement for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. The CDA Training also includes additional resources to help with navigating the CDA process. Additionally, a 45-hour curriculum for CDA Renewal Training is available. ProSolutions Training received the Council’s CDA® Gold Standard Training Certification which reflects the quality of online coursework and support services provided. Training courses received acceptance nationwide. All courses completed earn IACET continuing education units (CEUs) and printable certificates. All courses include pre- and post-test, interactive games, videos, audio, and more. Real-world examples of how to apply lessons are also used throughout each course. For more information, visit prosolutionstraining.com or call 800-939-9694.
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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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