Each December, people take stock of the year and think of what is to come in the new year. I am no exception.
Working for an organization like the Council for Professional Recognition has been my most rewarding professional experience to date. This year, and for the past two years, we have seen an unbelievable light being shined on early childhood educators. The public’s awareness has also raised appreciation of the challenges we face.
We know the value early educators bring to our country’s overall economy, yet we continue to offer them wages that hardly match their importance. I have been heartened to see the federal Build Back Better Plan includes billions of dollars for states to grow pre-K programs and create the need for at least 40,000 new teachers, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University.
We have seen the shortage of educators grow, and the Council supports efforts to bring more professionals into the field. We are encouraged to see higher education institutions considering creating affordable degree programs in the field. The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s recent report uncovered some of the barriers for those looking to become educators—the number one barrier is financial.
The Council is proud to share that we have a promising pipeline of early educators looking to join the early education field or better their skill set by earning a Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. During the pandemic, we saw a steady rate of those looking to earn and renew their CDA.
We see again and again the scientific research supporting the long-term benefits of high-quality early education. Yet, we do not provide a realistic, economically sound pathway for people to make a career in early childhood education.
The CDA provides an accessible pathway for early educators and can help fill a growing need. Aaron “Buddy” Rhodes, a member of the Council’s CDA Advisory Committee, comes from a family of educators. He first realized that teaching was a passion while in high school. As Buddy became older, he knew he was interested in the science of childhood development, but he wasn’t sure what he should do with this interest. Buddy credits the CDA for helping provide a foundational understanding of how he could best work with children.
I am optimistic for the future and believe that 2022 will prove to be an amazing year like no other. The Council looks forward to supporting our network of educators. We will push for more efforts to be focused on those who have dedicated their lives to educating our children.
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...
Where can you connect with CDA® holders and the wide range of folks who serve them? Turn to the Council Alumni Network (CAN), an online community that brings together current and past CDA earners, CDA...
Professional development is absolutely critical to your success, as well as the success of all the children in your care. Not to mention in most states, you’re required to complete a minimum number of training...
This month marks my second year at the Council for Professional Recognition. When I first arrived at the Council, I was no stranger to the organization or its mission, as I had been involved with...
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.
Read our monthly e-newsletter and keep up to date on all Council programs and services, as well as the latest news in the world of early care and education. Subscribe today to stay connected with us. You’ll receive timely information on events, webinars, special promotions, and more.
