WASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® Credential™ (CDA)®, says proposed federal funding would bolster the sector.
President Biden has requested $16 billion in child-care funding to help parents at serious risk of paying more or losing access to care as previous funding expires. Officials say it would support more than 220,000 child care providers across the country that serve a total of more than 10 million kids.
The CDA® Credential is an essential part of the entire sector; 80% of center owners/directors say they are “more likely to hire someone with a CDA Credential than someone without,” and half (51%) of CDA holders say they “received a pay increase because of earning the CDA credential,” according to a recent survey. The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE), and it is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE.
Dr Calvin E. Moore, Jr., the Council’s CEO, says, “We hear a lot about the ‘child care cliff.’ Going off such a cliff is bad for children, their parents, our educators and communities. It’s time to build a bridge over that cliff and we think this bill deserves serious consideration from Congress on both sides of the aisle. We also stand ready to consider and review other proposals that can achieve our shared goals.”
The Council sees the need for such support as six out of 10 child care center owners or directors who voluntarily participated in the survey report they’re having difficulty hiring additional staff. Roughly half (49%) of these center operators report a drop in existing staff.
Candidates for the CDA must successfully pass the national CDA exam that tests their knowledge of early childhood best practices based on the National CDA Competency Standards.
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 1 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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