Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit that administers the globally recognized competency credential, the Child Development Associate® (CDA), is making thousands of Maryland early childhood educators aware of a professional opportunity that will benefit them, students, families and communities.
The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a grant to the Council that will cover the cost of credential fees and books so early childhood educators in the state can earn or renew the CDA credential; eligible candidates are registered family child care providers and licensed child care center staff. The grant application deadline has been extended through June 2022.
Currently, over 2,400 Marylanders hold a CDA, and supporters think this initiative will greatly increase this number. The Council is also collaborating with Maryland Family Network (MFN) to provide information on funding and how to apply. Eligible early childhood educators can learn more at the MFN website
“Maryland’s CDA-certified early childhood educators have mastered the knowledge and skills required to support a child’s emotional, physical, intellectual and social development and we’re ready to help more of them join our ranks. We believe this Maryland initiative will serve as a national model,” says Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., the Council’s CEO who holds a CDA himself.
“This is an important step in Maryland’s effort to create a revised early childhood education career ladder and we’re proud to be working with the Council to make it happen. We know that a learning environment that includes educators who meet the Council’s high standards will help Maryland’s children be better prepared to start elementary school,” says Steven Hicks, Assistant State Superintendent Division of Early Childhood, Maryland State Department of Education.
The Council will be working with Maryland officials to host webinars about the credentialing process.
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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