There are several reasons why the CDA® credential is essential to people in early childhood education.
First, it’s the most widely recognized credential in our field and an important step for teachers who want to pursue both personal and professional growth. Earning a CDA establishes a foundation for delivering high-quality care to young children and demonstrates that you possess the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with children, families and colleagues.
Second, many states and accrediting bodies require teachers to have their CDA to hold certain positions. If you aspire to advance in your career, you can’t ignore the credential’s importance.
Third, earning your CDA makes you more marketable in the early childhood workplace. The CDA demonstrates quality, and schools and centers use that to draw in more families. Increasing enrollment improves the bottom line—which can translate into higher wages for you.
The benefits of earning your CDA remain the same, regardless of how you complete the process. Still, NOT all CDA coursework providers are the same. Finding the right fit is important, just like it is for any professional development or training.
For starters, it’s best to seek out a CDA Gold Standard℠ certified provider. That way, you know you’re receiving the highest-quality training and will be prepared for the CDA exam.
The Council for Professional Recognition has done a great job evaluating its Gold Standard providers to ensure their coursework meets all the criteria to get CDA candidates ready come exam time. Preparing for the CDA is a serious venture, and you want to ensure you’re investing your time wisely. So, find a provider that’s going to help you.
Next, you want to make sure your provider gives you the flexibility you need to complete the coursework. Working professionals are likely stretched thin already, so it’s best to find a provider that will accommodate your schedule.
Finally, seek out a provider that gives you access to one-on-one assistance. Education coaches and other personal supports provide many pluses that will encourage you and lead to a more promising experience overall.
If you’re ready to begin your CDA journey, ChildCare Education Institute’s (CCEI) certification might be the right one for you. As a CDA Gold Standard Comprehensive provider, CCEI has a proven high-quality online program and is prepared to meet your needs.
So what are you waiting for? Click HERE to learn more and get started today!
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...
SPONSORED BLOG 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...
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...
Schools are microcosms of the world beyond their walls. Factors like race, culture, class and gender set the stage for what takes place in our schools as learners from different groups interact. The conflicts that...
There is no denying the academic and emotional impact of the pandemic on children. News websites and TV newscasts are full of stories about the unknown long-term effects of the past two years on kids....
Finding informative and trusted early childhood educator resources online can be a challenge. That’s why the CDA® Advisory Committee met virtually to learn more about the nonprofit, The Source for Learning (SFL) and its ECE...
Each year I update my professional bio and pause at the part where it says, “Rachel Robertson has worked in the field for over X years”. Not because I can’t believe it or can’t remember,...
Teachers aren’t keen to bring up the topic of COVID, according to their Facebook posts. “I don’t think we are allowed to,” one teacher wrote. “There’s no way I’m going near that subject since it’s...
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.
