Council for Professional Recognition
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council for Professional Recognition (the Council) and the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC) are collaborating to promote the professional development of early childhood educators throughout the state of Michigan. One of MiAEYC’s initiatives is to support state colleges and universities offering courses that meet the CDA training requirements in coordination with the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan scholarship program.
The scholarship offers learning opportunities for child care center teaching staff, preschool teachers, family child care providers, group home owners, center directors, administrators, and early childhood support professionals to meet their professional development goals, while continuing their current employment in an early childhood focused organization.
“One of the important outcomes of this partnership with MiAEYC will be to bring forth training that works with all Michigan colleges and universities in support of meeting educational requirements for CDA candidates,” said Valora Washington, chief executive officer, Council for Professional Recognition.
Both organizations will work together to ensure the courses offered to early childhood educators support the CDA’s Eight Subject areas and 13 functional areas. The Council and MiAEYC will also create co-branded webinars geared towards professional development and basic requirements to obtain the CDA credential.
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 – Head Start, pre-k, infant-toddler, family child care, and home visitor programs. As a non-profit agency, the Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing, publishes the industry leading training books and workbooks, including its CDA Competency Standards and Essentials textbook and workbook (2nd edition). www.cdacouncil.org
ABOUT THE MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN
The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is committed to improving the education and welfare of children from birth through age eight. MIAEYC works for young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. MIAEYC supports the professional development of its members through quality training, materials and services.
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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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