Messages from the Movies
My mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I started to wonder what this meant and worried my...
The Council for Professional Recognition knows its Child Development Associate® Credential is a powerful way for child care workers to further their learning because data and individual success stories back up that claim.
This pathway’s value is further confirmed by the fact colleges and universities often allow students to translate their CDA into college credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
New America, which calls itself a “new kind of think and action tank,” reaffirmed the CDA’s value by highlighting it in its initiative and report “Supporting Early Educator Degree Attainment.” The report presents the findings of a 2019 working group that examined the barriers higher education institutions face to serve and prepare early educators. It also explored opportunities for reform.
The report holds up Miami Dade College as an example to emulate; it offers a multi-language certificate program for pre-K teachers and another for infant and toddler teachers, and students who complete the program are eligible for the CDA. Since its inception in 2013, nearly 100 students have completed the program.
The Council doesn’t have to look any further than its CEO to see the long-term effects of such an initiative. Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., says, “In 1991, I was a teacher’s aide for the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity in Birmingham, Alabama. Acquiring a CDA was a professional development requirement for the teacher’s aide job. Getting the CDA turned into a lifesaver for me. I then developed a passion for working with young children, and that inspired me to continue my education.”
The New America report highlighted the top barriers for institutions of higher education when it comes to serving early educators; focusing on the following:
Another New America report, “Youth Apprenticeship in Early Childhood Education,” takes a close look at how the youth apprenticeship pathway can support high school youth and meet the growing needs of the early educator workforce. The report says: “some states impose high professional standards requiring early childhood lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, associate or bachelor’s degree, or a state license.”
The Council joins other stakeholders in strongly affirming what New America concludes: “the extent of the benefit of early learning hinges on the quality of care provided, and the quality of care is largely dependent on how well the educator is prepared and supported.”
My mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I started to wonder what this meant and worried my...
It takes a village to raise a child, the old proverb tells us. But we need to expand our perspective, according to pediatric surgeon, social scientist and mom Dana Suskind. In her heartfelt work, Parent...
Dr. Calvin Moore shared that when he first arrived at the Council and took on the CEO role, he was focused on assessing the early childhood education (ECE) landscape, the reach of the organization and...
We have probably all seen the commercials this time of year when you can hear the popular holiday song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, playing in the background as parents dance joyously...
Did you know early childhood educators in Maryland have a special benefit that can help them and the children they serve? The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a $1 million grant to the...
For the first time in three years, the Education Writers Association (EWA) gathered in person for their National Seminar in Orlando last month. The event drew journalists from across the country to hear from leaders...
In April 2022, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued new guidance and an Information Memoranda (IM) announcing the long-awaited, family-friendly policy of permitting families and guardians to use proof of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
The CDA Advisory Committee was created to provide insights, perspectives, and best practices to the CDA community and other early childhood professionals. Established during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members’ first-hand experiences...
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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