Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit leader in the credentialing of early childhood educators worldwide, has launched a live streamed online series featuring guest speakers addressing vital topics and themes in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy.
“CounciLIVE,” which airs a new episode every 2 weeks on the Council’s Facebook page, presents renowned authors, professors, CEOs and seasoned educators with decades of experience, all of whom are committed to helping the early childhood sector succeed in its mission to serve children. Episodes will air every other Thursday at 1 PM EST, beginning with the first full-length CounciLIVE episode on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
The conversations are anchored to the Council’s flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children. Each CounciLIVE episode highlights a functional area from the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ competency standards for early childhood educators, such as safety or professionalism, and explores its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy and research.
Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr., the CEO of the Council and a CDA holder himself, says, “The candidates who earn our CDA credential are well prepared to foster the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of young children. Yet right now we all need more connections, support and sharing. CounciLIVE is a vibrant and engaging way to serve our community as well as everyone who works with young children, including parents and families.”
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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