0:0:0.0 --> 0:0:29.570
Chonda Walden
…Implementation manager and Abena Ocran- Jackson, vice president of credentialing and today's
conversation, will be led by our new team member Andrew Davis. Now, Andrew is not only our Chief
Operating Officer, but he's also a champion for education. The importance of winning educational
attainment resonates within him. For Andrew has an ardent zeal that fuels his passion for ensuring a
quality workforce for our field.
0:0:30.110 --> 0:0:32.830
Chonda Walden
Now, as the CEO, Andrew.
0:0:33.730 --> 0:0:34.350
Chonda Walden
What's wrong?
0:0:34.630 --> 0:0:35.320
Andrew Davis
No.
0:0:35.430 --> 0:0:35.690
Andrew Davis
He's.
0:0:35.770 --> 0:0:36.20
Andrew Davis
Just.
0:0:34.620 --> 0:0:36.430
Larissa Norris
Ohh, he was he was being silly.
0:0:36.430 --> 0:0:37.40
Chonda Walden
Ohh.
0:0:38.900 --> 0:1:9.410
Chonda Walden
Andrew's responsible for the programs division, which includes operational functions of credentialing,
growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy,
research, innovation and customer relations. Now with such a Herculean task, it makes sense that he'd
wanna spend time with you all to deepen the understanding of what fuels you, what challenges you and
what inspires you to continue your support of the CDA.
0:1:9.810 --> 0:1:19.590
Chonda Walden
And we invite you too. Thank you. And we have invited you to our Virtual roundtable for some party
dialogue with Andrew. And at this point, I'll turn it over to him.
0:1:20.780 --> 0:1:35.80
Andrew Davis
Thank you so much, chonda and good morning everyone. Thank you all. I I'm really curious about where
everyone is physically located. I myself am in the state of Illinois.
0:1:36.80 --> 0:1:53.170
Andrew Davis
I am have been here for the last 11-12 years or so and before that I was in the Washington DC area and
so doctor Gundling, I think I am very early in in my career used to calling you my days while I was with
Kaplan early Learning Company and.
0:1:54.300 --> 0:2:23.610
Andrew Davis
So so it it's it's good to see so many of you represented here. So in the moment, I'm gonna kind of turn it
over to to you to to get some ideas of where you are physically, but a quick background of myself. I'm
coming to the Council for most recently serving as the Senior Vice President of partnerships engagement
with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning where we did a lot of work specifically around
supporting Head start programs but.
0:2:24.250 --> 0:2:28.40
Andrew Davis
More recently, in statewide training technical assistance systems.
0:2:29.550 --> 0:2:54.940
Andrew Davis
One in state of Indiana, just most recently in Wisconsin and some other communities, the city of
Philadelphia as well. And prior to that, I was with Follett early learning Stablished Follett School
solutions and their department of early Learning. And as I said before, Doctor Gundling I was with Kapler
Learning Company, which interestingly was a chance.
0:2:56.300 --> 0:3:30.10
Andrew Davis
Job offer that that took me down the path of of learning, about being connected to the early childhood
education field, and it was incredibly beneficial and also coincided with when my daughter was being
born. So I was learning as she was also growing and applying a lot of what I learned. And so the reason I
wanted to get this opportunity today is because I'm just crossed my 60 day mark and I've been
swimming in all kinds of things internal at the Council and learning about things.
0:3:30.300 --> 0:3:52.880
Andrew Davis
From the from the inside and I know that that's always only part of the story, and So what I really
wanted to do, and I'm asked, Sean, did her team to put together a group of our professional
development specialists to share with me just some of your experiences.
0:3:53.960 --> 0:4:6.90
Andrew Davis
And so I I guess I want to start by just asking where everyone is physically located and maybe how many
years you've been serving in the role of as of PDS?
0:4:30.870 --> 0:4:31.590
Larissa Norris
Yeah.
0:4:9.210 --> 0:4:38.820
Paige Catt (Guest)
Well, I'll start. I knew I'd be asked that question. I should have looked back and and and looked that up.
I'm not sure myself five or six years I've been PD specialist. I live. I'm Paige. Cat and I live in northeast
Arkansas. Corning, Arkansas. And I'm. I met Larissa at the Head Start Conference this year and we got to
talk. And and I have to say that Larissa helped me when all the computers are being redone. I was in the
middle of several visits and.
0:4:39.160 --> 0:5:5.90
Paige Catt (Guest)
I thought I was going to pull my hair out, but thanks to her I didn't and I'm still here so I have lots of
stories I can tell, but I'm a 30 year educator. I taught kindergarten 2nd grade for 30 years in the coding
school district. So I've I retired a few years ago and so this has kept me busy and I really enjoyed. I love
being in the head start centers. When you said the head start head start is my passion.
0:5:5.720 --> 0:5:29.860
Andrew Davis
Yeah, I Umm, it's interesting. I spent a lot of time in Arkansas in two communities. One was in Pine Bluff
helping to when that hits our program was failing and trying to write a grant to help rebuild that one.
And the other one was the program that saved the children was doing. And there was based in
Dardanelle.
0:5:40.180 --> 0:5:40.950
Paige Catt (Guest)
How? Gosh.
0:5:30.900 --> 0:5:49.570
Andrew Davis
Is well, so like that whole 9 county region as well. So I spent at least a good six months where I feel like I
lived in Little Rock and went like zigzag place to place. So Arkansas is a special place to me. So thanks for
Paige for.
0:5:51.0 --> 0:5:51.670
Andrew Davis
I know.
0:5:49.270 --> 0:5:56.660
Paige Catt (Guest)
Should have come up the northeast Arkansas. We would have shut down and basically that's what I do.
The head start centers in a four or five county region.
0:5:57.250 --> 0:5:58.580
Andrew Davis
Great. Thank you.
0:6:0.420 --> 0:6:0.890
Andrew Davis
Who's next?
0:6:0.800 --> 0:6:21.850
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So I'm happy to go next. I'm Robert gundling. I'm the cofounder and President and CEO of Better
Futures. Were a early childhood consulting service, integrating my background in early childhood
education with my business partners, background in business, finance, lending.
0:6:22.600 --> 0:6:42.730
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And we are on a mission to disrupt the early childhood landscapes so that it is never referred to as a
fragile industry, but is a vibrant, robust business industry contributing significantly to.
0:6:44.30 --> 0:6:46.820
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
The local, regional and national economy.
0:6:47.710 --> 0:6:51.610
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm, so Andrew. So I've been a PD specialist.
0:6:55.220 --> 0:6:55.560
Andrew Davis
You know.
0:6:53.370 --> 0:7:4.960
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I don't remember years. So Paige, hats off to you. Since it's inception, my work primarily has been and is
in Washington DC where.
0:7:7.470 --> 0:7:14.640
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Most recently, I served as the President of the NAEYC affiliate in Washington.
0:7:16.650 --> 0:7:18.440
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
DC yeah.
0:7:19.500 --> 0:7:19.890
Andrew Davis
Thank you.
0:7:19.800 --> 0:7:20.470
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Where?
0:7:22.270 --> 0:7:29.970
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
We're about to give a one time supplemental payment, so all of you in the rest of the country might
want to take note.
0:7:30.630 --> 0:7:42.40
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Where our assistant teachers are gonna receive a $10,000 no strings attached. One time supplemental
payment.
0:7:42.810 --> 0:7:54.470
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm. And teachers will receive a $14,000 one time supplemental payment that is tied to a law in DC.
0:7:55.360 --> 0:8:22.360
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Where there will be $74 million starting, I believe it's 74 or 72 million starting next year non lapsing
where we will get to the place where all early childhood education teachers in our city in the city will be
at parity, that's compensation package, not salary, a whole package at parity with our public school
system.
0:8:24.260 --> 0:8:34.560
Andrew Davis
It's excellent, and no, it's a model that I know the rest of the country is is eager to figure out a way to to
also support. So thanks. Thank you, Robert.
0:8:35.870 --> 0:8:37.130
Andrew Davis
Who would like to go next?
0:8:39.310 --> 0:8:40.380
Teresa McKay
I can go next.
0:8:41.660 --> 0:9:10.870
Teresa McKay
My name is Doctor Theresa McKay. I wear many hats in the field. I've been a PD specialist since before
we were called, PD specialists, so a very long time, probably since the late 90s, early 2000s, I think. And I
currently work for three higher Ed institutions, all three of which have CDA components to them.
0:9:11.690 --> 0:9:16.760
Teresa McKay
I also have my own training and consulting business on the side.
0:9:17.980 --> 0:9:28.910
Teresa McKay
And maybe venturing back into the classroom soon, there is a teacher shortage here in Florida, so.
0:9:29.900 --> 0:9:36.800
Teresa McKay
Yeah, it's been a hot minute since I've been in the classroom. But you know what? If there's a need, then
I'm gonna follow. So.
0:9:37.630 --> 0:9:38.780
Teresa McKay
We'll see how that goes.
0:9:39.300 --> 0:9:41.0
Andrew Davis
And and what part of Florida are you in?
0:9:41.290 --> 0:9:47.20
Teresa McKay
I'm in central. I'm in Winter Haven. I'm like smack dab in between Orlando and Tampa.
0:9:47.540 --> 0:9:58.990
Andrew Davis
Oh, great. OK. Yeah, I I in one of my roles, I spent some time as an interim executive director of of the
LSF.
0:10:0.230 --> 0:10:1.140
Teresa McKay
Oh yeah.
0:10:8.30 --> 0:10:8.740
Teresa McKay
Yeah.
0:10:0.330 --> 0:10:9.120
Andrew Davis
Programmed in Florida so there was based in Tampa or Tampa. So the Hillsboro, the Pinellas.
0:10:13.950 --> 0:10:14.700
Teresa McKay
Oh wow.
0:10:24.850 --> 0:10:25.490
Teresa McKay
Yep.
0:10:27.340 --> 0:10:27.730
Teresa McKay
Thanks.
0:10:9.820 --> 0:10:30.850
Andrew Davis
It was Deval, and then also West Palm Beach. So it got to do the little triangle and Florida in in an
interesting place. It's like evolution and revolution while like the rest of the country is also kinda like
running to catch up. So I'm glad to have your perspective here. OK. So we've got three other PD
specialists.
0:10:32.30 --> 0:10:33.380
Andrew Davis
Who would like to go next?
0:10:36.430 --> 0:10:37.850
Marjorie (Guest)
I think ohh goes.
0:10:36.530 --> 0:10:39.200
Washington, Salina
I will. Hi. Ohh, I'm sorry.
0:10:40.850 --> 0:10:49.360
Washington, Salina
Hello, my name is Selena Washington. I am here in a little small town of Wetumpka, AL, and.
0:10:50.480 --> 0:10:51.110
Washington, Salina
Do you?
0:10:48.550 --> 0:11:0.960
Andrew Davis
No, exactly where we're touka is, in fact, yes, I do. And I I there there was a man that there was a a
friend of mine who was actually on the City Council.
0:11:2.570 --> 0:11:12.960
Andrew Davis
And with Tonka, because I was down there working with the HISAR programs, we done the one in Selma
and then the one that was going to in Montgomery with.
0:11:14.650 --> 0:11:32.670
Andrew Davis
Doctor Walter White and I, we we were. He was helping me do that. But this the county seat. So the
program was headquartered in which Unka. And anyway Long story short, I got to spend a lot of time on
we talking so an exactly where you're wrong is such.
0:11:31.380 --> 0:11:35.140
Washington, Salina
A lot of people don't know about us. What's your friend's name? That was on the Council.
0:11:35.230 --> 0:11:36.620
Andrew Davis
He did passed away.
0:11:36.700 --> 0:11:37.230
Andrew Davis
Umm.
0:11:38.670 --> 0:11:40.500
Andrew Davis
His first name was.
0:11:43.310 --> 0:11:43.800
Washington, Salina
Percy.
0:11:42.840 --> 0:11:44.30
Andrew Davis
Season.
0:11:44.570 --> 0:11:44.910
Washington, Salina
Murphy.
0:11:45.650 --> 0:11:47.670
Washington, Salina
Healthy give healthy girl.
0:11:45.460 --> 0:11:53.110
Andrew Davis
Percy. Percy. Thank you. Yeah. Percy, man. Percy was what took me around, and I didn't even know he
passed away. So it was.
0:11:54.370 --> 0:11:56.860
Andrew Davis
Great, great guy, yeah.
0:11:52.900 --> 0:11:57.180
Washington, Salina
Yeah, very, very young, very sudden. He was a church member of my.
0:11:57.560 --> 0:11:59.10
Andrew Davis
Ohh but.
0:11:58.630 --> 0:12:0.0
Paige Catt (Guest)
That's amazing.
0:12:0.300 --> 0:12:0.600
Washington, Salina
Yes.
0:12:0.200 --> 0:12:3.750
Andrew Davis
Yes, what small world? Small world. But sorry, continue please.
0:12:2.600 --> 0:12:8.490
Washington, Salina
Ohh yeah, very very small. That's interesting. Yes, but.
0:12:9.550 --> 0:12:32.60
Washington, Salina
I am like I said, if you're in with Trumpet, Alabama and we are trying to get Alabama on a better
connection with the Council and I recently, previously I was the birth to five developmental coordinator
for the Alabama State Department of Early Childhood Education, and I also have a trainee in consulting
business.
0:12:32.140 --> 0:12:52.810
Washington, Salina
Uh, myself, but I recently moved over into a new position and they have created position as the CDA
support specialist, so that is my entire job. Now it's being a support for CDA candidates. I am the only
one that we have in the state but.
0:12:53.750 --> 0:13:8.450
Washington, Salina
So I'm serving the entire state in the Council has been a tremendous help. I am so thankful to Don
Owens and Chonda Walden because they have really helped me transition into my new position and.
0:13:9.470 --> 0:13:19.70
Washington, Salina
Basically, ohh you did ask about the. I can go on and on Andrew. I thought talking and won't stop. I think
I've been on specialist about 4-5 years.
0:13:19.840 --> 0:13:49.30
Washington, Salina
But I received my CDA over 20 years ago and I've been excited about moving into this new position
because it's not just a job for me, it's personal. It's personal. For me, this is my life. What I'm helping
these candidates do is my life. I started out 20 something years ago and got my CDA and then my
associate degree and then my back with them. My masters, my EDS and I am one year away from having
my doctor so.
0:13:48.870 --> 0:13:51.110
Andrew Davis
Ohh. Fantastic. Congratulations.
0:13:49.890 --> 0:13:58.390
Washington, Salina
Properly. Look, I'm speaking that one year. So that's my my expected graduation date and fall of next
year, so.
0:13:59.290 --> 0:14:20.830
Washington, Salina
I I'm speaking that I'm gonna stay on track with that. So with encouraging these candidates and being
out supporting them and helping them to reach their goal of getting their CDA, like I said, it's it's
personal for me. It's not just a job and I enjoy every moment of it and so thankful for the support that I
have received from the Council.
0:14:22.520 --> 0:14:22.810
Andrew Davis
But.
0:14:22.10 --> 0:14:24.280
Washington, Salina
I think I answered your questions. I don't know.
0:14:23.450 --> 0:14:31.560
Andrew Davis
No, you certainly did. Thank you so much. Thank you so much, Marjorie. No, no, no pressure for you to
to be from a place that I've heard of. We've been to so.
0:14:32.600 --> 0:14:34.370
Andrew Davis
It's it's alright if you're.
0:14:34.770 --> 0:14:46.590
Marjorie (Guest)
No, it's OK. So I'm Marjorie in Massachusetts. I've been. I'm the baby, I think, cause I've been a city, a
special PDS specialist for two years only. So.
0:14:48.310 --> 0:15:17.420
Marjorie (Guest)
Have lots to learn here, but I am a family daycare provider for four years now. I came from Brazil, so I
was a teacher there. Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher for a while and then moving here. I started
with the CDA because someone told me it would be a good thing and I loved it and everything
happened. I love being a PDS. It kind of happened because I really enjoyed.
0:15:37.350 --> 0:15:38.170
Andrew Davis
That's awesome.
0:15:17.500 --> 0:15:48.760
Marjorie (Guest)
I hope process while I was taking my CDA and yes, I'm still learning. But that's like I I stay in my family
daycare most of the time and whenever I get a call, when I go for a visit is the highlight of my week
because I love doing it. It's very exciting and because I speak Portuguese, there is a huge demand for
Portuguese speakers in Massachusetts, so I I get to see a lot of Brazilian people or Portuguese people
here too.
0:15:49.380 --> 0:15:54.970
Andrew Davis
That's fantastic. Thank you so much, Marjorie. And and I feel like we have another.
0:15:55.520 --> 0:15:56.90
Marjorie (Guest)
Sorry.
0:15:55.860 --> 0:15:57.590
Andrew Davis
Umm. Is it symbolic?
0:16:1.500 --> 0:16:3.120
Chonda Walden
Yes, that is sebawit.
0:16:2.650 --> 0:16:6.480
Sebawit Yirsaw
Ohhh yeah. Good evening everyone. And I'm gonna be first.
0:16:6.820 --> 0:16:8.690
Sebawit Yirsaw
Uh, can you hear me?
0:16:8.920 --> 0:16:9.460
Andrew Davis
Yes.
0:16:12.60 --> 0:16:12.730
Andrew Davis
Yes, we can.
0:16:10.910 --> 0:16:25.390
Sebawit Yirsaw
Hello. Yeah. Good evening everyone. My apologies for joining late. I'm originally from Ethiopia. I live in
DC and right now I'm in vacation and Ethiopia and I'm joining this meeting from Ethiopia.
0:16:26.510 --> 0:16:27.150
Andrew Davis
Ohh.
0:16:26.630 --> 0:16:38.0
Sebawit Yirsaw
To be specific, I'm just accompanying my sister to Italy, so I'm just traveling to the airport right now, but
I just didn't want to miss this meeting so I just.
0:16:38.650 --> 0:16:44.150
Sebawit Yirsaw
Join you. So first of all I would like to thank Chonda and Larissa for just.
0:16:45.660 --> 0:16:50.670
Sebawit Yirsaw
Are giving me this opportunity to join this uh meeting with this, with all of you great people.
0:16:52.30 --> 0:16:56.270
Sebawit Yirsaw
I have been PDS for the last five years, since 2018. I'm.
0:16:57.370 --> 0:17:6.610
Sebawit Yirsaw
Other CD instructor for the Amharic CDA I actually worked with Tony and.
0:17:8.150 --> 0:17:39.660
Sebawit Yirsaw
And I have just designed and instruct the MRI CD. I've been a PDS and I wear different hats in the ECE
field. Right now I'm working as a quality facilitator for her living in the sheets, Captain quality and with
QRS and I I'm still a PD specialist, proud to be PD specialist. I have my CD. I earned my CDA over 10 years
ago and I start my career in the.
0:17:39.770 --> 0:18:7.990
Sebawit Yirsaw
Field by getting first my CDA in infant and taller. So I'm so grateful for the Council for the support that
the been provided to me, to the Amharic speaking population lately, because the America CDA has been
such a success for all of us and I'm here just to hear and share my thoughts with you. Thank you very
much.
0:18:8.950 --> 0:18:17.680
Andrew Davis
Thank you so much and I I feel like you know, really honored that there's so many different perspectives
are being represented and and so many different parts of the country.
0:18:19.50 --> 0:18:23.980
Andrew Davis
So on the just a quick check, what's the time that we have allotted for this just so I make sure.
0:18:24.880 --> 0:18:26.770
Chonda Walden
11 thirty 11:30.
0:18:26.230 --> 0:18:51.710
Andrew Davis
OK, great. OK, thanks. So. So the first question I'd like to ask and you know I I know there, there, there
are a lot of us on. So you think in terms of how we step forward and offer your perspectives or think
about like where we need to to step back. But I really want to be able to hear as richly as possible from
from all of you.
0:18:52.870 --> 0:19:17.0
Andrew Davis
The first question might take a moment for you to to pause and think about, but I appreciate all the
words that you all have said about you know how the Council's been helpful and supportive to you. If
you had to answer this question, how would you go about it? What is, what do you wish the Council
understood about your role as a PD specialist?
0:19:23.400 --> 0:19:24.140
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Well, Andrew.
0:19:25.250 --> 0:19:26.770
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
True to the work I do.
0:19:29.410 --> 0:19:34.840
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I would wish the Council would look at the reimbursement rate given.
0:19:35.880 --> 0:19:39.420
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
What has transpired and where we are currently?
0:19:40.410 --> 0:19:40.960
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm.
0:19:41.870 --> 0:19:44.10
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
As a result of the pandemic.
0:19:46.330 --> 0:19:50.720
Andrew Davis
Can can you can you say more about that cause 'cause? I feel like there is.
0:19:52.220 --> 0:20:0.520
Andrew Davis
There is a number of factors like you've got gas prices, they're going up, you've got a pandemic. But then
you also kind of have like.
0:20:1.370 --> 0:20:10.750
Andrew Davis
Historically, it's like been said, so there's just general like inflation. So, so can you, can you say more
about what?
0:20:12.320 --> 0:20:13.70
Andrew Davis
What? What?
0:20:14.680 --> 0:20:23.10
Andrew Davis
What would we factor in in thinking about that and and do you think is there a right in your mind that
you think is actually appropriate that was as that directly?
0:20:27.870 --> 0:20:28.780
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So.
0:20:30.520 --> 0:20:31.40
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Because.
0:20:32.500 --> 0:20:34.50
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Because of my background and.
0:20:38.840 --> 0:20:39.140
Andrew Davis
Or.
0:20:34.800 --> 0:20:43.30
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I don't have access to all of the information financial information to me to respond to the question.
0:20:44.150 --> 0:20:50.420
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
From my perspective, what you mentioned, yeah, the price of gas has gone up.
0:20:51.270 --> 0:20:51.870
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm.
0:20:52.820 --> 0:20:53.550
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
The.
0:20:57.20 --> 0:20:58.880
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I found over the years.
0:21:0.260 --> 0:21:2.10
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Which I'm happy to do.
0:21:4.470 --> 0:21:7.510
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I've had to invest my own time.
0:21:9.640 --> 0:21:15.880
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
In supporting the candidates through the process, realizing that once.
0:21:17.360 --> 0:21:19.890
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I accept to do the visit.
0:21:20.930 --> 0:21:28.600
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I am clear that was part of the original to me responsibility. I become an agent of a of the Council.
0:21:29.310 --> 0:21:29.890
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm.
0:21:31.170 --> 0:21:38.190
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So. So that would be one thing that I respect and honor that.
0:21:39.630 --> 0:21:43.60
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Would not have, I believed, impossible to think about.
0:21:43.840 --> 0:21:45.790
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
When when the system.
0:21:46.560 --> 0:21:47.190
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Was.
0:21:49.520 --> 0:21:50.430
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Launched.
0:21:54.880 --> 0:21:55.640
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Yeah, I mean.
0:21:57.600 --> 0:21:59.770
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Cost of I mean running.
0:22:3.800 --> 0:22:12.440
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
For the for the virtual visit and running off the, the copying of the scoring instrument, and so I think.
0:22:13.740 --> 0:22:16.810
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
To me, just the Council looking at.
0:22:17.490 --> 0:22:20.560
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Or conducting a survey to find out.
0:22:21.200 --> 0:22:30.980
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
From PD specialists, what are real costs that they're incurring and if possible to give an estimate of what
that cost?
0:22:31.760 --> 0:22:32.380
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Would be.
0:22:33.660 --> 0:22:34.150
Washington, Salina
Robert.
0:22:32.990 --> 0:22:37.640
Andrew Davis
Thanks, Robert. Would everyone else, first of all agree with that universally?
0:22:38.630 --> 0:22:39.580
Andrew Davis
Yeah, right.
0:22:38.460 --> 0:23:11.510
Washington, Salina
Yes, I was just about to piggyback off of Robin and say, Robert, I can help you out a little bit. I I have
recently since I moved over, I'm stepping back from actually doing the observations myself because I'm
giving so much support with assisting the candidates with the process of a lot of them dragged their feet
when it comes to their portfolio, you know, and a lot of them are are locked when it comes to moving
around the Council's website and they're calling for assistance. So.
0:23:11.650 --> 0:23:30.820
Washington, Salina
I backed away from actually being the one that do that probation, but we have a shortage of PB facialists
in Alabama, and so we have what I'm hearing from a lot of I have a group of coaches that all became PE
specialists. And what I'm really hearing now is we have, especially when it's in rural areas.
0:23:32.460 --> 0:23:59.240
Washington, Salina
Because they actually work for the State Department, they're having two. They can't be on the clock
when they go out to do the visit. So they're having to clock out to go and do the visit. Well, if they're
driving an hour away to go do the visa, you know, it's kind of not really worth them clocking out. So, you
know, so it it's a struggle when I have a lot of my child care center calling saying, well, we we're trying to
find expensive trying to find someone in the area, and I'm working so closely with him. I can't do the
visit. So.
0:24:0.70 --> 0:24:1.190
Washington, Salina
Yeah, those things.
0:24:1.920 --> 0:24:3.650
Washington, Salina
Are definitely a factor.
0:24:4.790 --> 0:24:5.300
Andrew Davis
Thank you.
0:24:4.950 --> 0:24:8.120
Washington, Salina
Which one of my things I already had on my list for you.
0:24:9.530 --> 0:24:12.180
Marjorie (Guest)
I want to jump in on the the price.
0:24:13.460 --> 0:24:44.10
Marjorie (Guest)
Conversation because, for example, to have an assistant to stay at my daycare for me to be able to do
the visits, I pay anywhere from $130 to 170, and I'm talking about a person that probably don't have a
degree. I'm talking about a person that only has the state license to be in my daycare, so she wins $130
if she has no qualification, just the license.
0:25:7.230 --> 0:25:8.220
Andrew Davis
Already losing.
0:24:45.50 --> 0:25:14.460
Marjorie (Guest)
So I pay more for her than to do the job that I'm qualified to do, and if I get someone that has has a
better license, which is a license for 10 kids and potentially CDA sometimes not, but just the license for
10 kids, I have to pray anywhere from 150 to $170 per day. So right there, it's out of my pocket. A big
part of that, right. The other thing about the the costs, when I do.
0:25:14.550 --> 0:25:44.620
Marjorie (Guest)
Bilingual or monolingual for Portuguese, for instance, I do the the paper test. I get paid $50.00 for that.
And I'm I'm speaking 2 languages, reading a task for two hours and I'm getting $50. The person that is
translating for the candidates that I'm seeing now is getting $150 for two hours with a discount price. So
that's like huge to see. I know part of this job is.
0:25:45.210 --> 0:26:7.250
Marjorie (Guest)
Volunteer right cause it's state when we apply to be a pity specialist cause it's a symbolic payment. It's
not what we are worth. But even though when you think you're candidates paying $150 for someone to
just like to move to travel where they are entrance late and you are getting a third of that.
0:26:8.450 --> 0:26:26.890
Marjorie (Guest)
To get ready all the responsibility with the test that you were administrating and the the procedures
from the Council and sending it and all those little things that are counting as a responsibility, I feel like I
have so much more responsibility. And yet it's a very symbolic price.
0:26:27.800 --> 0:26:33.920
Andrew Davis
Mark Martin, can I say sorry, sorry. Let me not cut you off because I you. You were. You had another.
0:26:33.360 --> 0:26:59.350
Marjorie (Guest)
Ohh no no I I wanna complete my thought with regards to the the test exam with. It's a little out of topic
but the paper test is made. The candidates are supposed to answer with pencil. So this I think is a huge
problem. I just had a candidate reaching out to me because she was denied the credential.
0:26:59.700 --> 0:27:28.200
Marjorie (Guest)
And she is trying to find why and the first thought that pops in my mind, this candidate's upset. Right?
Because she didn't make it. And how can I prove that I didn't touch her test if it's made out of pencil,
cause like, I could easily wanted to make this candidate. No, it's not my who I am. But like, if I have a
personal situation during the visit, for example, and I wanna to conduct this in a.
0:27:29.70 --> 0:27:59.360
Marjorie (Guest)
And professional way. How can I prove myself that I remain professional and didn't do anything you
know? Because she's questioning me. Coming back to me, I know she's supposed to reraise my number
from her phone after we have the visit and everything, but of course she's not gonna do it. So now she's
coming back to me and asking me what happened. Cause at the visit I had a good report and now I I was
denied and I saw that she didn't succeed at the the paper test. It was.
0:27:59.820 --> 0:28:11.50
Marjorie (Guest)
A big failure, but I couldn't tell that to her during the test, so I had to remain like blank face. Everything's
good, but I knew she wouldn't pass.
0:28:11.750 --> 0:28:17.950
Marjorie (Guest)
And then I was like, Oh my gosh, what about if she comes with the pencil situation? Because this is a big.
0:28:18.760 --> 0:28:22.340
Marjorie (Guest)
Thing that I I I think it's a big thing that has to be revealed.
0:28:23.420 --> 0:28:38.940
Andrew Davis
Thank you. So so let me let me make sure I'm I'm recapping what I've heard so far. So the first one,
there's a universal acceptance that you all would wish that we understood more about the challenges
with the current reimbursement rate.
0:28:40.140 --> 0:29:5.670
Andrew Davis
What's clear is that there you are all doing this, clearly beyond what you're being compensated for, and
it's because of your commitment to the work that it is not an even bigger problem for you. But that's not
to say it's not a problem. So there are all of all of you are doing this because of your commitment to the
field and your work, and there is.
0:29:5.930 --> 0:29:12.700
Andrew Davis
Yeah. So while it's symbolic, there should be a higher level of.
0:29:13.690 --> 0:29:45.460
Andrew Davis
Symbolic exchange like let's say there and I'll. I'll tell you. All right, now that it is definitely one of the
priority projects for us that we're doing, it is a very real time thing. And I think everyone from the
Council who is on the call right now is involved in that process and and we are. So we're trying to get it
right. We we don't want to, you know go from like 100 to 110 and and you know try to then start like
screaming from the hills that we did something well we actually wanna really make.
0:29:45.640 --> 0:29:58.270
Andrew Davis
Make it meaningful and significant to to offset imbalance. The commitment that you all are actually
giving. There is one question I wanna I wanna come back to Marjorie's second point, but there is one
question I want to ask you all.
0:30:0.490 --> 0:30:6.570
Andrew Davis
Do just by quick show of hands. Do all of you know other PD specialists? Yes.
0:30:8.440 --> 0:30:10.710
Andrew Davis
Would would you say, would you say that?
0:30:12.560 --> 0:30:44.960
Andrew Davis
Of the PD specialists you know is the level of commitment and effort that you give to this work
consistent with what you see with others or do you feel that you represent a different level or is
somewhat higher level of commitment based on the the other PD specialist that you have seen or do
you feel like it's a fairly consistent level where everyone who's doing this work is doing it at the same
level with the same level of accountability?
0:30:49.920 --> 0:30:57.990
Washington, Salina
I guess I can't really give a direct answer on that because within my role at the department, like I said,
we have several coaches that.
0:30:59.260 --> 0:31:14.790
Washington, Salina
With the Child Support, the CDA candidates in the state, but this position being created, we also have
I'm the only CDA support specialist, but we have some of our coaches that go out and coaching
classrooms that have become specialists and.
0:31:16.230 --> 0:31:20.680
Washington, Salina
So they can't really. Some of them would like to.
0:31:21.300 --> 0:31:28.310
Washington, Salina
Umm do it as maybe an extra source of income, but they really can't because.
0:31:29.260 --> 0:31:31.930
Washington, Salina
Most of them are. Just choose. You just do it on the clock.
0:31:33.590 --> 0:31:33.980
Andrew Davis
Baba.
0:31:33.290 --> 0:31:37.790
Washington, Salina
There and not get paid, not get paid by the Council. So I'll be out to get paid by the Council.
0:31:38.770 --> 0:31:39.450
Teresa McKay
And I wanna.
0:31:38.480 --> 0:31:40.830
Andrew Davis
Page or Teresa? Yeah, yeah.
0:31:40.450 --> 0:31:47.60
Teresa McKay
Oh, sorry, and I just want to add to that that you know of the ones that I'm aware of here in Florida.
0:31:48.240 --> 0:31:52.740
Teresa McKay
We tend to have an issue with those that don't follow the rules that.
0:31:54.390 --> 0:32:23.850
Teresa McKay
Are not doing what they have been contracted to do and I hear this from my CDA students as well that
they are so disappointed in the the PD specialists once they've selected them and and have worked with
them now, haven't dealt with in my career. I've only had one person not receive their CDA and that was
another case like Marjorie was talking about. She just didn't.
0:32:23.940 --> 0:32:26.710
Teresa McKay
Do well, but you know, I feel like.
0:32:27.820 --> 0:32:30.880
Teresa McKay
For those who are are super into.
0:32:31.970 --> 0:33:3.20
Teresa McKay
The importance of the CDA, and there the importance of the having it, they are, by and large, pretty
disappointed in some of the CDA specialists that we have, our PD specialists that we have now that also
being said, like for example, when we go to the conference and we meet with other PD specialists, that's
the cream of the crop. Those are the people that come to that PDS symposium if they can. And so those
people that I know and and work with their.
0:33:3.120 --> 0:33:11.760
Teresa McKay
They're like us. They're on the same level. So I would say it's probably, you know, just a crapshoot in all
honesty, is to who's who's being.
0:33:12.410 --> 0:33:14.290
Teresa McKay
You know who's on our level and who's not.
0:33:16.180 --> 0:33:26.890
Andrew Davis
Paige and said away. I want. I want to kind of like, first of all, get your thoughts about what's been said
already, but I'll also see if you have any additional thoughts around this, this.
0:33:28.10 --> 0:33:33.980
Andrew Davis
This question of you know what do you wish the Council understood about what you do so, Paige?
0:33:34.900 --> 0:33:35.200
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:33:34.660 --> 0:33:54.830
Paige Catt (Guest)
Well, I'm in a I guess you'd say unique situation because I teach the CDA class Another lady and I work
together. You know, if I can't do it, she will do it. And so we bark piggyback back and forth. And you
know, she does a great job. And, you know, I've learned from her. And so I can't say that, you know, she
doesn't have the.
0:33:55.650 --> 0:34:13.240
Paige Catt (Guest)
What I what I want to do but but uh. But right now she is not able to work and so it's just me. But you
know what I've seen, you know? Again, it's just been she and I. So that's that's kind of tough question to
ask or for me to answer but.
0:34:13.320 --> 0:34:13.580
Paige Catt (Guest)
Them.
0:34:15.580 --> 0:34:43.890
Paige Catt (Guest)
You know, I I see a lot of these people having trouble just getting registered to, to take the test. I mean,
to to to to get a verification visit. And I've spent hours. It seems, you know, just helping them get
registered. Just trying to get everything their ducks in a row, everything just to to get the city a visit. You
know, the visit done. So, you know, I can put in hours before I even travel an hour or two to get.
0:34:44.100 --> 0:34:47.250
Paige Catt (Guest)
To where I'm going. And then you come home and.
0:34:48.390 --> 0:35:6.620
Paige Catt (Guest)
It I'll spend hours filling out the the verification the the results sheet I mean cause I can't stand, you
know, just a few words just to leave a few things done. Done. I want to. I just have to get in there and so
I could probably spend four or five hours on one student easily.
0:35:8.250 --> 0:35:26.80
Andrew Davis
That that's very, very helpful. So so. So if I had to summarize what I'm hearing from you, Paige, you you
would say you, you wish and you would want the Council to know that the time that is spent is much
greater than the visit.
0:35:37.590 --> 0:35:38.350
Paige Catt (Guest)
Absolutely.
0:35:26.820 --> 0:35:47.600
Andrew Davis
The travel to the visit is it's inclusive of the registration process and any type of support from the time
you're selected as the PD specialist for that candidate, including the final. And in that four to five hour
range. Would you all agree that that's.
0:35:48.920 --> 0:35:54.410
Andrew Davis
That's relatively accurate for all of you in terms of the amount of time that you spend per candidate.
0:35:56.340 --> 0:36:21.870
Paige Catt (Guest)
I mean, from the time I get there, e-mail that they've selected me. You know, I had to find out where
they're from, you know, talk to them. I mean, it's just it's all the little things and, you know, just the
computer to try to get through, to try to get registered. It's not easy. And especially if you're teaching
school and you have are teaching preschool and you have 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there, you
can't get it done in in a day.
0:36:22.290 --> 0:36:22.640
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:36:22.620 --> 0:36:33.590
Paige Catt (Guest)
It's and and then there uh center directors calling me. Well, can you help me with this? And, you know,
of course I can. I'll. I'll try. But I mean spend I spend easily 4 hours.
0:36:35.900 --> 0:36:36.350
Andrew Davis
Thank you.
0:36:35.930 --> 0:36:42.120
Washington, Salina
Well, if it's way greater than that because you think about your visit on site, it's 4 hours.
0:36:43.260 --> 0:36:46.770
Washington, Salina
That's for our process right there and then and then.
0:36:43.310 --> 0:36:51.70
Paige Catt (Guest)
Well, that's true. That's true. I'm just thinking I'm just thinking travel there, coming back into paperwork.
I.
0:36:53.260 --> 0:36:55.10
Paige Catt (Guest)
Cut. It wasn't even.
0:36:48.980 --> 0:37:8.820
Washington, Salina
Exactly when you're after you get home and you're doing your, your paperwork is lengthy. And like I said
here in the state, when I'm working with specialists and trying to find a specialists, I just got an e-mail a
moment ago from the regional director and the Birmingham area saying she has several candidates that
need.
0:37:9.720 --> 0:37:10.200
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Mm-hmm.
0:37:9.150 --> 0:37:10.510
Paige Catt (Guest)
Yeah, this this season.
0:37:9.550 --> 0:37:15.270
Washington, Salina
To be observed, well, first of all I have to reach out and find a PV specialist in their area that.
0:37:15.350 --> 0:37:30.450
Washington, Salina
Umm, there's gonna be able to go out and see him and most of the kind of reason why they're reaching
out to me instead of the Council going on the website is because a lot of them are in rural areas and
when you get in the rural areas like I tell you, have you have that travel time where you have to get
there.
0:37:31.70 --> 0:37:34.320
Andrew Davis
Yeah. So, so, so, so, so was it accurate to say?
0:37:32.80 --> 0:37:34.490
Paige Catt (Guest)
I can't believe it. I I wasn't even considering.
0:37:35.280 --> 0:37:35.500
Paige Catt (Guest)
And.
0:37:35.80 --> 0:37:39.90
Andrew Davis
So is it accurate to say so? We're saying four to five in addition to the visit?
0:37:39.400 --> 0:37:40.470
Paige Catt (Guest)
I absolutely.
0:37:40.830 --> 0:37:41.280
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm.
0:37:42.470 --> 0:37:43.430
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So Andrew.
0:37:40.540 --> 0:37:44.70
Andrew Davis
Right. OK. So so yeah.
0:37:44.550 --> 0:37:50.290
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Prior to the new system, the average rate in the DC metro area.
0:37:51.480 --> 0:37:51.960
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
That.
0:37:52.720 --> 0:37:56.710
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Observers were getting compensated at was $400.
0:37:58.370 --> 0:37:58.890
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And.
0:37:59.690 --> 0:38:1.430
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And and people.
0:38:2.280 --> 0:38:16.210
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Who we're going through the process didn't sneeze at it, so I'm not suggesting cause I understand and I
support that. Part of the reason.
0:38:17.230 --> 0:38:22.120
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Structuring of this was to address that issue.
0:38:24.20 --> 0:38:33.90
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I think like anything else in early childhood education, cause we've yet to develop a national system.
Anything is complex.
0:38:35.90 --> 0:38:39.580
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
But for example, in this area we have this.
0:38:40.210 --> 0:38:45.810
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
State and local government that is providing funding to pay the application fee.
0:38:46.220 --> 0:38:46.480
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:38:46.730 --> 0:38:49.260
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I'm so it's not the candidate, so.
0:38:50.680 --> 0:38:50.980
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:39:0.60 --> 0:39:0.310
Andrew Davis
Yep.
0:38:50.680 --> 0:39:2.150
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So baby, for some responsibility from the Council that to, if not already, initiate some conversation with
those state departments about the rate.
0:39:3.780 --> 0:39:4.680
Andrew Davis
That's a great point.
0:39:6.310 --> 0:39:25.300
Andrew Davis
So. So in Subway I wanna give you a a chance. I know you're not on camera. I don't want you to be at a
disadvantage. But if if you had a response to anything you wish that the Council understood about your
work and role as a PDS and it's fine if you don't have anything you wanted to add. I just wanted to give
you an opportunity to to weigh in if you did.
0:39:29.930 --> 0:39:41.340
Andrew Davis
Nope. OK, I'm assuming you're you're. You're in your travels, so we'll, we'll we'll give you another
opportunity later on. So. So one other question. Ohh yeah. Marjorie, go ahead.
0:39:43.710 --> 0:39:44.10
Andrew Davis
Sure.
0:39:41.470 --> 0:39:53.960
Marjorie (Guest)
I just want to bring one more thing because that's because of what happened this week. It came to me,
the candidate that I'm talking about, look for me for directions on how she could.
0:39:56.480 --> 0:40:24.850
Marjorie (Guest)
A contest the results. So that was another fine line for me, because of course the the orientation is really
clear. If she thought that I was not professional in somehow like during the visit or during the test, she
could contest. So the question for her was I don't think you did anything wrong. I just don't think this is
fair, that they are denying the CDA. So I was in a very complicated situation. I didn't know how to deal
with that.
0:40:24.960 --> 0:40:57.130
Marjorie (Guest)
Because they told her well, you can write a letter and explain what you think is going wrong, that you
don't agree with. But I don't know how to help you cause this is my work in your work. So I wish there
was something more clear about. Like what number to call. Maybe have, like, a person to help you
through the process when you have a situation like that. Cause even like giving her some clues for what,
like she could do? She could like how she could write this letter I was feeling like I was cheating on the
Council.
0:41:20.110 --> 0:41:20.560
Andrew Davis
Sure.
0:40:57.180 --> 0:41:22.360
Marjorie (Guest)
Because I'm like, this is not my job. Speak against the Council's decision and at the same time, it's not my
I I don't feel right of letting the candidate go away alone with this situation where she's really frustrated.
So I was like, this is a very fine line and I don't wanna be in professional, but I also don't wanna be taking
sides so that I think should be reviewed.
0:41:23.20 --> 0:41:40.230
Andrew Davis
Thank Marjorie. And I just want to ask, is there anyone else that can either relate to have been put in a
similar situation where you find yourself having to, you know, answer for things that feel like they're
kind of, you know, out of bounds or have you found ways to like?
0:41:41.270 --> 0:41:45.760
Andrew Davis
Set boundaries where you find yourself not in that situation, and I could imagine.
0:41:47.100 --> 0:41:58.720
Andrew Davis
Experience and the years of doing this, you know, can can help. So it's just curious about have any of you
have been kind of met with that situation or what advice you would have give Marjorie based on your
experience?
0:41:59.240 --> 0:42:24.410
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
What has worked for me, Andrew almost from the I repeat multiple times during the visit that the
Council has the sole responsibility for the final decision. I also repeat that when the visit is over, my
responsibilities to the Council and and.
0:42:25.570 --> 0:42:37.730
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
When I've submitted all my information to the Council, I send every candidate an e-mail and I put that
information in writing again.
0:42:38.910 --> 0:42:40.220
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I have found.
0:42:41.310 --> 0:42:42.120
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
As Marjorie.
0:42:43.560 --> 0:42:47.230
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Describe I've had a candidate call me and say well.
0:42:48.10 --> 0:42:49.180
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I didn't get it.
0:42:50.20 --> 0:43:1.790
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And what I say to them is, so I I I wanna repeat to you that when the visit ended my responsibilities and.
0:43:4.240 --> 0:43:17.300
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I would suggest you call the Council customer service line cause they are the people who can best help
you with your current issue and I've not had any candidate.
0:43:18.440 --> 0:43:20.840
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Push, push back from that.
0:43:24.270 --> 0:43:25.770
Andrew Davis
Thank you. Thanks for sharing there, Robert.
0:43:27.500 --> 0:43:34.310
Andrew Davis
OK, Marjorie, so I appreciate that feedback and it's captured and believe me bird and.
0:43:35.850 --> 0:44:3.260
Andrew Davis
Part of the goal of this is figuring out where the ways that we can intervene, and I think on the on the
theme of what are some of the challenges because as we talked about, you know reimbursement rate is
1, the knowing the amount of time that's being put into it is is another. But what would you say in
general are some of the other just biggest challenges of.
0:44:4.500 --> 0:44:18.590
Andrew Davis
Doing this work and it could be from, you know, some of them are environmental but but I guess
specifically I'm looking for what are the things that you find as challenging in working with the Council as
a part of that work?
0:44:21.180 --> 0:44:24.210
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Well, I want to first say and acknowledge.
0:44:24.900 --> 0:44:29.470
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Chandra and the staff at the Council.
0:44:30.230 --> 0:44:32.240
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Through through.
0:44:33.140 --> 0:44:42.370
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Abena, who I go back with have been outstanding. Larissa, providing the customer service so.
0:44:43.170 --> 0:44:45.410
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Some of the issues that.
0:44:46.200 --> 0:44:53.560
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
That I would that ioffer. I just wanted to frame it in that perspective the responsiveness is.
0:44:54.660 --> 0:45:6.100
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Up above what I expect the the the respect is a colleague above what what I expect.
0:45:6.920 --> 0:45:9.230
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Two issues for me.
0:45:11.10 --> 0:45:13.100
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Our number one, the technology.
0:45:14.60 --> 0:45:22.760
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So for example, today I just got a notice of availability and I got 3 emails for the same person.
0:45:27.670 --> 0:45:36.680
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Larissa, without Larissa's support and and so sometimes, it makes me think, OK, because I'm in DC and.
0:45:37.730 --> 0:45:45.460
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I've had the historical relationship with the Council. I've been at the Council of the staff, knows who I
am, I'm comfortable.
0:45:46.180 --> 0:45:58.390
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Having conversations with the Council, but what if I were a PD specialist and that were not my situation?
What would this look like? So, so the technology.
0:45:58.750 --> 0:46:2.20
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I'm to me continues.
0:46:3.750 --> 0:46:4.200
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
To.
0:46:5.940 --> 0:46:9.550
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I still can't figure out my council at times.
0:46:10.170 --> 0:46:10.640
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm.
0:46:12.560 --> 0:46:17.630
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And then secondly, and I own this one and it's about me.
0:46:18.190 --> 0:46:20.110
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Uh know about this and.
0:46:21.470 --> 0:46:23.560
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
It was an experience I had early on in.
0:46:24.430 --> 0:46:33.450
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Abena did a fabulous job at the World Forum helping me understand the board's decision to get rid of
the gold standard.
0:46:35.540 --> 0:46:42.380
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So I want to say I respect and I understand the decision. However, as an activist in early childhood
education.
0:46:43.310 --> 0:46:46.920
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I believe the Council does have some responsibility.
0:46:48.310 --> 0:46:53.340
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
For the accountability of people who do the CDA training.
0:46:55.130 --> 0:46:57.230
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And and I'll own that.
0:46:58.320 --> 0:47:2.230
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Early on in my work with the CDA.
0:47:3.190 --> 0:47:5.890
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
We had a program in DC.
0:47:8.190 --> 0:47:12.460
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Majority of teachers were non-english speaking.
0:47:14.440 --> 0:47:17.700
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
The owner spent $7000.
0:47:18.610 --> 0:47:23.860
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
For someone to come and train the entire staff and none of them got a CDA.
0:47:29.300 --> 0:47:29.630
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:47:29.370 --> 0:47:33.990
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I'll just leave it there, because to this day, I.
0:47:35.580 --> 0:47:40.380
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I still struggle with words about how I feel about.
0:47:41.20 --> 0:47:41.420
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
That.
0:47:42.60 --> 0:48:2.800
Andrew Davis
Yeah. So, so, so so two very, very big and important points. And Robert, I appreciate you laying the
setting the table for us to talk about those two. I think let's start with the technology one and just wanna
see like does that resonate for everyone else as well or they're challenges with the technology?
0:48:5.830 --> 0:48:6.380
Andrew Davis
Yes.
0:48:7.180 --> 0:48:7.430
Paige Catt (Guest)
Yeah.
0:48:8.370 --> 0:48:24.140
Andrew Davis
Yeah, so, so I I uh, I appreciate the example of the very real time, one of the three emails that just came
through. Are there other examples that that that you can share that are examples of the challenges?
0:48:24.520 --> 0:48:39.160
Marjorie (Guest)
I think it's an absurd that the demographics information disappears once you accept it the the visit cause
you need the phone you need the address and it's not there anymore. So how come we don't have that
information through the process?
0:48:40.500 --> 0:48:41.30
Andrew Davis
Got it.
0:48:41.310 --> 0:48:42.30
Paige Catt (Guest)
That's a good one.
0:48:42.390 --> 0:48:51.70
Washington, Salina
And one thing I kind of did Andrew was asked when I knew that I was gonna be participating in this
round table asked.
0:48:52.900 --> 0:49:1.590
Washington, Salina
Our PD specialist here in the States Canada, what their thoughts were for me to bring to the table and
that was one of their.
0:49:2.370 --> 0:49:18.170
Washington, Salina
Their comments about technology and sometimes things. One example one specialist told me that well,
she actually was trying to. I don't know whether it was renew or or maybe she had expired and she was
trying to come back and.
0:49:18.910 --> 0:49:22.130
Washington, Salina
She said she was told she didn't qualify and then.
0:49:23.850 --> 0:49:33.510
Washington, Salina
It was something dealing with, I guess, all of her paperwork didn't upload and so now she has to wait six
months before she could reapply.
0:49:34.270 --> 0:49:34.890
Washington, Salina
Ohm.
0:49:35.810 --> 0:49:39.940
Washington, Salina
And that that's just been the thing, a few of them mentioned having problems with.
0:49:42.280 --> 0:49:43.790
Washington, Salina
With technology, with the Council.
0:49:45.170 --> 0:50:2.700
Andrew Davis
And before, I just wanna say hi, charvella. Thank you for joining. We we've been, I'm Andrew Davis, I'm
the new Chief operating officer. We've done introductions and we're just trying to to, I'm trying to learn
a little bit more about your, your world as a PD specialist. Where are you located physically sure about?
0:50:3.660 --> 0:50:9.920
Charvella McKaye
I am in Ohio, Columbus. OH, and I apologize for being late. I was on a search committee and we just
finished an interview.
0:50:10.100 --> 0:50:16.890
Andrew Davis
Not a problem that that this is this is your gift to us. So we appreciate you you spending any time. So
thank you.
0:50:18.360 --> 0:50:42.990
Andrew Davis
OK, so so and thanks for those examples. Selena, are there are there others related to technology? And
the question on the table right now Charvella is talking about what are some of the biggest challenges
for being a PD specialist? And Robert shared that the technology is a challenge that was just trying to get
examples of that from others experiences. So are there other technology issues that you all can?
0:50:44.920 --> 0:50:45.400
Paige Catt (Guest)
It just.
0:50:44.750 --> 0:50:46.230
Andrew Davis
Think of or yeah.
0:50:52.300 --> 0:50:53.680
Andrew Davis
Yeah, user friendly.
0:50:46.180 --> 0:51:18.230
Paige Catt (Guest)
It seems that the the the computer program is just not well, it's just not computer friendly or not
friendly to the person that you know has a few minutes. You can't just go down through there and click.
I need to do this, this and this. They have to find a pencil over here and you know, how do you know
what this pencil's for? You. It's it's not easily understood. And even me after I've done it several times. If
I haven't done it in a few months, I still have to think. Well, let's see. Where do I go? It's not lined up. It's
better than it was several years ago.
0:51:18.290 --> 0:51:30.970
Paige Catt (Guest)
It was redone and and it was better. And while I'm on that, does anybody notice the misspelled words
on the on the verification visit? Do you notice? Does that not drive you crazy?
0:51:31.740 --> 0:51:32.100
Paige Catt (Guest)
The.
0:51:31.530 --> 0:51:32.640
Andrew Davis
It would drive me crazy.
0:51:33.100 --> 0:51:47.620
Paige Catt (Guest)
I I mean, and I've gone through there and you know, I've tried to tell us that's just not professional. You
don't have six or seven misspelled words or I don't wanna say misspelled, let's say typos, I call them
typos or grammar.
0:51:49.0 --> 0:52:11.580
Paige Catt (Guest)
Issues on a test that you know it's going nationwide and and you know it is much better the last time
you know before we redid the test and the questions, it was terrible that probably had 20 typos in it. But
you know it is better or down to six or seven. But you know why can't those be changed? Why can't
somebody see that you know I I.
0:52:10.620 --> 0:52:13.450
Andrew Davis
So Sean, Sean Chonda asked a good question. Their page.
0:52:15.550 --> 0:52:17.260
Andrew Davis
Where are the typos that you're seeing?
0:52:17.620 --> 0:52:24.50
Paige Catt (Guest)
In the we're the verification visit where where they have the questions you know they might, they've
misspelled classroom.
0:52:25.990 --> 0:52:26.380
Larissa Norris
She's.
0:52:25.610 --> 0:52:29.350
Paige Catt (Guest)
Verification was misspelled in a in a place I.
0:52:29.60 --> 0:52:35.140
Larissa Norris
Pages let me know there's a couple times I just don't have the ability to go in and change something
that's.
0:52:36.270 --> 0:52:37.240
Larissa Norris
That's a bigger.
0:52:41.390 --> 0:52:42.500
Andrew Davis
But it shouldn't be, yeah.
0:52:38.360 --> 0:52:45.230
Larissa Norris
Tasks and then just changing it. But but Paige, I still have your emails, which I can definitely share.
0:52:48.590 --> 0:52:48.960
Larissa Norris
Yeah.
0:52:45.940 --> 0:52:52.660
Andrew Davis
No, that, that's that's. That's helpful though and and that's that's that's not a small deal page. So so
thanks for raising it.
0:52:54.650 --> 0:53:3.410
Paige Catt (Guest)
Yes, I hopefully other people have noticed that I just, you know, just little words. That's my thing.
Misspelled words. But you know the word classroom.
0:53:4.80 --> 0:53:8.0
Paige Catt (Guest)
Yeah, and just easy words. I just.
0:53:7.410 --> 0:53:8.380
Andrew Davis
Yes, that.
0:53:9.550 --> 0:53:10.270
Paige Catt (Guest)
Take a look at.
0:53:9.170 --> 0:53:14.120
Andrew Davis
Well, easy or hard if we're using it, we should be spelling it right. So yes, absolutely.
0:53:12.870 --> 0:53:19.790
Paige Catt (Guest)
Look, look through it today, Andrew, let's look. Let's see if you can find any of those. Those errors tapos
just wanna be tapos.
0:53:19.110 --> 0:53:26.520
Andrew Davis
Sure. And and and if you if you come across them again like and you've got screenshots and Larissa
already has them, then yeah, please, we'll.
0:53:27.270 --> 0:53:32.820
Andrew Davis
Will we don't want any spelling errors anywhere, so like, that's the thing that just needs to get fixed
right away.
0:53:32.270 --> 0:53:34.710
Paige Catt (Guest)
Hi get that off my mind. Thank you.
0:53:36.850 --> 0:53:37.410
Andrew Davis
Ohm.
0:53:38.50 --> 0:53:59.160
Andrew Davis
The the uh. Any. Anyone else on on the technology part? Or should we move move on to the other part?
The other challenge, I appreciate you raising the gold standard and like the role of the Council plays, is
that a shared feeling and opinion around the decision to?
0:54:0.360 --> 0:54:1.0
Andrew Davis
Stop.
0:54:2.220 --> 0:54:5.20
Andrew Davis
Recognizing the gold standard.
0:54:26.850 --> 0:54:27.290
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:54:34.590 --> 0:54:35.60
Andrew Davis
Sure.
0:54:35.960 --> 0:54:36.270
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:54:9.870 --> 0:54:39.220
Marjorie (Guest)
I try to make comments on my visits when I see the effort there as a Robert was saying like you can
clearly see the difference when people did not take a class for doing the CDA and the quality is like very
different. So I think they should be recognized for that. I have a comment that is out a little on this topic
a little out. I don't know if I should make it now we have we have been facing a new issue here.
0:54:39.310 --> 0:55:10.20
Marjorie (Guest)
The Massachusetts is that they have this program for coaches to come to your daycare and help you set-
up the way it should be by the CDA standards. So not only me, but other of my colleagues had the same
situation where you see the stage is perfect, everything is where it should be. The the amount of toys
duplicates all the things that you wanna see on your visit. But then during the practice you don't see.
0:55:10.120 --> 0:55:41.990
Marjorie (Guest)
That being reflected on the person's abilities, so for us it's been hard with the tool. The way it's set-up
because people that are putting up the show can have really high scores because everything is set-up
perfectly. So I don't know how we could I try again, put on the observation if I know that someone had a
visit, a coach came, but usually they only tell you that afterwards because they don't wanna be discredit
for the work.
0:55:42.370 --> 0:55:42.780
Andrew Davis
Got it.
0:55:42.110 --> 0:55:47.410
Marjorie (Guest)
So this has been a very big issue here in Massachusetts and that's.
0:56:11.470 --> 0:56:12.10
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
0:55:48.680 --> 0:56:15.770
Marjorie (Guest)
I mean, I don't know if in other places it is a a situation too, but this is raised a big concern to me
because I feel like some people dream I visit. I cannot say no. She did not have the setup for safety, for
health because it's there. But you, you know that the person doesn't know what you do with that. You
know. So that has been a very complicated point for us here.
0:56:16.870 --> 0:56:46.420
Marjorie (Guest)
And also when you comment about the the colleagues, I have a very close friend which is has been a
PDS for a long time and this we are like help each other and all those. But we know other people that
are doing the visits and not following up with the four hours with the structure of observing, reviewing
and feedback. So what I'm concerned is we had people that got different.
0:56:46.490 --> 0:57:18.220
Marjorie (Guest)
PDS is doing the visit in like one hour in those people were got the CDA and I'm like how is it possible for
you to do that in one hour? It's it's not humanly possible to see all the aspects you wanna see in one
hour. And I had a candidate that first looked for me and then came back with the results and said I didn't
even know I was being verified because the person came here and she said she was just giving me a
coach visit.
0:57:18.390 --> 0:57:48.690
Marjorie (Guest)
And when it was over, I got the e-mail with the credentials. So I'm still like, out of my brain with that
cause. Of course, this candidate wouldn't tell that to the Council cause she wants the CDA. But how
come this person is still doing visits if the candidate didn't even know she was being evaluated? So that's
something that is still here for me because I'm like, this is not city aid. This is not what we want to see in
the field, but at the same time, we report those PDS and they are still there.
0:57:55.390 --> 0:57:55.840
Andrew Davis
Marjorie.
0:57:48.780 --> 0:57:57.570
Marjorie (Guest)
Active doing things you know, so this is a a huge concern in Massachusetts right now, at least for the
Portuguese speakers.
0:57:58.0 --> 0:58:12.170
Andrew Davis
Yeah. Well, thank thank you so much for for that feedback. I know it's something that Chonda and
Larissa take very, very seriously. And part of the process as we are reviewing not only the
reimbursement rate, but also thinking about.
0:58:13.420 --> 0:58:42.80
Andrew Davis
You know what are quality standards? How do we keep it such that the people that we are working with
are people that are like yourselves, like the ones who are really committed to this work and that we can
establish a really strong reciprocal working relationship. What we don't want is for those types of PD
specialists to reflect negatively on those of you who are really doing this work and really committed to
it. And so we wanted.
0:58:42.260 --> 0:58:51.130
Andrew Davis
You know, get better at that. So thanks. Thanks for raising that that point separately. I saw you had your
hand raised. So I wanna give you an opportunity to to weigh in.
0:58:53.750 --> 0:59:0.820
Sebawit Yirsaw
Yeah. Thank you so much. I just would like to piggyback what Mr Gundling has said about.
0:59:2.100 --> 0:59:4.230
Sebawit Yirsaw
Candidates and training centers.
0:59:6.170 --> 0:59:35.500
Sebawit Yirsaw
Most of the times when I went out to see candidates, you know, to observe candidates, I see like
sometimes they portfolio is not them properly or just seems like I don't know which school they have
been. It seems there is a disconnection between training centers in candidates. Sometimes I see like
they have copies only and it is hard and they are not to coach but just to observe so.
0:59:35.760 --> 0:59:38.320
Sebawit Yirsaw
I can't say much, so I would really.
0:59:39.80 --> 0:59:55.330
Sebawit Yirsaw
Uh. Emphasize that the Council take some time and just ensure that this training centers are doing their
job, their parts and insuring like the preparing the candidates in the right way.
0:59:56.790 --> 0:59:57.680
Andrew Davis
Thank you, sebawit.
0:59:57.10 --> 1:0:1.60
Sebawit Yirsaw
Uh, yeah. I just would like to add that one. Thank you.
1:0:1.380 --> 1:0:31.990
Andrew Davis
No, thank you that, that that's that's a good point and it resonates because obviously if you know we're
expecting that the training center is done their job when you show up your job should be easy and and
you you can tell when some of the the precursor work to your visit has not been done. It's frustrating.
And for those of you who have already articulated how committed you are to this, that you're not doing
it for the money, you're doing it because it's an important part of the field and developing the
workforce.
1:0:32.420 --> 1:0:56.720
Andrew Davis
And you can't in good conscience. It's similar to what Marjorie was saying. It's like I know that I,
according to what I'm supposed to do, I'm seeing this area set-up correctly, and yet I still have concerns
about am I putting through a candidate is going to be good for our workforce and for our field. And so
we, we do take that seriously. And and I.
1:0:58.130 --> 1:1:5.770
Andrew Davis
The degree to which Robert, you know your point about our responsibility on the training centers is it's a
thing that we.
1:1:8.50 --> 1:1:20.760
Andrew Davis
It's complex as you said, but but we, but there's a way for us to to do it and do it right and we're not
backing off of, of how we do that, it's but but might not be in the way that we initially thought we were
going to do it.
1:1:21.760 --> 1:1:22.790
Andrew Davis
I yeah.
1:1:23.430 --> 1:1:23.760
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
1:1:21.540 --> 1:1:23.930
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So Andrew cause.
1:1:31.830 --> 1:1:32.130
Andrew Davis
Please.
1:1:25.550 --> 1:1:39.390
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And for everyone, please allow me. I'm gonna let go of some heavy thing on. That was in my mind. So to
me extreme situation and again Abena was really helpful to me when I saw her cause it.
1:1:40.400 --> 1:1:43.670
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Quite honestly, kept me up a few nights afterwards.
1:1:44.390 --> 1:1:44.840
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
On.
1:1:46.120 --> 1:1:50.410
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Was I observed a candidate English was not her first language?
1:1:51.950 --> 1:1:52.600
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And.
1:1:53.830 --> 1:1:57.380
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And from my perspective, the observation went well.
1:1:58.550 --> 1:2:1.470
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
About 25% of her portfolio.
1:2:2.370 --> 1:2:3.500
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Was incomplete.
1:2:8.110 --> 1:2:12.750
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I threw the candidate and just cause unplugged in in this region.
1:2:15.530 --> 1:2:23.590
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
New of where she got the training. And so to me and I understand having worked at a national level.
1:2:24.730 --> 1:2:39.110
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
What I'm raising, and I believe it's not as easy as it appears to do as it as you think it would be because
of the scope, the scope of it. But I was faced with a dilemma.
1:2:40.330 --> 1:2:47.240
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
How do I how much accountability do I give to the candidate she did what?
1:2:48.510 --> 1:2:55.220
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
What I I know she did. She did what she thought she was supposed to do.
1:2:56.840 --> 1:3:0.450
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And when her blood rushed out of her.
1:3:1.340 --> 1:3:13.980
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Body when I said to her, now I just need to talk with you about some things in your it. What do you do?
Well, I know what I did, but I mean really evident like.
1:3:15.530 --> 1:3:17.650
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
She I mean, it was traumatic.
1:3:18.560 --> 1:3:22.690
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Like I can't express myself like the language I.
1:3:23.560 --> 1:3:26.220
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I did what I I followed their rules.
1:3:29.290 --> 1:3:29.660
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
1:3:28.240 --> 1:3:38.240
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Yeah. So that's why I believe with the gold standard, I respect with the board said. But I think it could
have been revised not.
1:3:39.490 --> 1:3:40.440
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Sun said it.
1:3:41.770 --> 1:3:43.80
Andrew Davis
Yeah, we.
1:3:44.100 --> 1:4:17.450
Andrew Davis
We we agree in terms of the mission, right? So so the, the the we don't want that to happen and we
wanna put systems in place for that not to happen and whether or not that's done through the
mechanism of a gold standard or some other way that's what we've got to figure out and I I think but it
but it's work that we we take very seriously Robert and and we know what's happening out there and
you know you got a chance to see that first hand and know exactly where that connection was and just
imagine.
1:4:17.830 --> 1:4:28.370
Andrew Davis
That's not the only place where that's happening, and it's really unfortunate for the candidate and I the
the the part that you know.
1:4:29.400 --> 1:4:33.680
Andrew Davis
This is this is my time to talk, but but the part of our.
1:4:34.560 --> 1:4:35.290
Andrew Davis
Work.
1:4:36.360 --> 1:5:0.970
Andrew Davis
That I feel a significant pressure in the sense of urgency around responsibility for is creating the
environment that allows for the systems to work well together. So whether that's the technology that
doesn't become a roadblock or an obstacle for people who want to do this work, how do we help
facilitate that in the easiest way possible? Can we create systems where the training?
1:5:2.80 --> 1:5:33.70
Andrew Davis
Leads to a candidate as qualified as ready for a PD specialist to do their part in. In everyone work
together. How do we create those systems? And it's an ongoing thing and what worked on a smaller
scale or a time before it has to evolve so that people aren't, like you said, profiting off of doing poor
work for the field. And we know that every step away of the way in this field, there have been
organizations that have profited off of less than stellar work and contributions.
1:5:33.150 --> 1:5:52.20
Andrew Davis
And so we're we're we're trying to figure out how to do that, but I'm saying that as a thing that's an
active and ongoing part of our work rather than its. We're developing the silver bullet and hopefully step
by step you'll be able to secure about and see some things soon that lead us in that right direction.
1:5:54.980 --> 1:6:8.330
Andrew Davis
Other challenges, though, that that come to mind before we pivot to another question. Is there anything
that we haven't had covered? But I feel like I've got some really, really good examples from those of you,
but we've shared.
1:6:11.150 --> 1:6:13.620
Andrew Davis
Anything. OK, alright. Well, let let.
1:6:14.790 --> 1:6:16.630
Andrew Davis
No, sorry. Go ahead, Selena. Go ahead please.
1:6:13.230 --> 1:6:40.320
Washington, Salina
I did have come. I'm sorry, Andrew. I did have someone mentioned maybe something like ID badges.
Although they know they they're not employed by the Council. But when you're going out and you're
going into these sites and centers a lot of times directors and they want to know who you are and just
something recognizing exactly acknowledging that you are a pretty specialist for the Council to identify.
1:6:41.560 --> 1:6:42.190
Andrew Davis
Great. Thanks.
1:6:41.480 --> 1:6:43.10
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Selena I.
1:6:43.920 --> 1:6:55.390
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Support 100% we asked the candidate to show us ID and it's always been the question in my mind, but I
don't have to show anything.
1:6:58.430 --> 1:7:22.20
Andrew Davis
So. So this next question is a little bit of a personal reflection and I understand you're you're all of your
respective commitments to doing this work and why you do it if you have to give me your your top two
or three reasons, what are what are the main benefits to you personally and individually for being a PD
specialist?
1:7:22.720 --> 1:7:25.790
Andrew Davis
What did what does it? What does it mean to you personally?
1:7:27.120 --> 1:7:34.600
Washington, Salina
Mine is seeing the results of the candidate reaching their goals because, like I said earlier, it it's personal.
This is my own personal journey.
1:7:36.890 --> 1:7:37.540
Andrew Davis
Thank you Salina.
1:7:39.430 --> 1:7:46.180
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Well, as I mentioned, because of where I am in my relationship with the Council, I feel.
1:7:48.340 --> 1:8:4.320
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
It fulfills the responsibility of mine to the relationships that I have at the Council and, and therefore the
awareness of how seriously this is taken at the Council and people.
1:8:5.20 --> 1:8:21.120
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Doing really good work. Second for me is I'm clear. I'm at the stage in my career paying it forward and I
value the opportunity through the Council to stay connected.
1:8:21.830 --> 1:8:23.370
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
In supporting.
1:8:24.620 --> 1:8:27.330
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
The next generation of.
1:8:28.910 --> 1:8:34.820
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Early childhood educators, and I think there's more right about.
1:8:35.760 --> 1:8:40.320
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
The system then issues and challenges.
1:8:40.990 --> 1:8:41.660
Andrew Davis
Thank you, Robert.
1:8:43.620 --> 1:8:56.910
Marjorie (Guest)
She meets me. The greatest joy is to see that other kids are getting quality care, so that's the highlight
for me. Going to places and seeing their the the candidates are.
1:8:58.250 --> 1:9:28.130
Marjorie (Guest)
Like putting all their air forts to offer good quality for childcare like I I'm very emotional. Like I get the
goose. The goose bumps when when you see a good candidate and I feel always like one more one more
one more. You know that's like my my motivation and the other thing that I found through this year's is
when the candidates come back to you I've had like several taking pictures of the changes they did.
1:9:28.240 --> 1:9:38.810
Marjorie (Guest)
And sending the pictures to me and saying like, thanks to you, you help me see this. You help me see
that. So those two for me. Like I can get paid $100 for that.
1:9:41.170 --> 1:9:43.480
Marjorie (Guest)
But I wet. I read or not, but I can't.
1:9:43.790 --> 1:9:44.370
Charvella McKaye
Yeah, right.
1:9:45.0 --> 1:9:47.450
Andrew Davis
Loud and clear, Marjorie. Thank you though.
1:9:47.750 --> 1:10:19.420
Charvella McKaye
And for me, it's just seeing and helping advance the field for quality program for children. Families sorta
has has Marjorie is sad, but then in addition to that, as an educator, I think it goes deeper than that
because it's helped building the confidence and the candidate or they have a lot of ohas like, Oh my
God, I can't believe I did this and just the uplifting it brings to them and their self esteem and confidence
that they've accomplished something. And oftentimes they talk about continuing.
1:10:22.490 --> 1:10:22.750
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
1:10:19.600 --> 1:10:29.210
Charvella McKaye
Because they didn't know that they could. So that's like really rewarding to see those uhas and just how
proud they feel of themselves.
1:10:30.530 --> 1:10:31.170
Andrew Davis
Thank you so much.
1:10:34.570 --> 1:10:35.800
Andrew Davis
Paige, you're you're muted.
1:10:34.880 --> 1:10:39.240
Washington, Salina
I didn't want to hop on top of anybody else, but in this field.
1:10:41.150 --> 1:10:42.710
Washington, Salina
Ohh, I'm sorry, she's music.
1:10:37.990 --> 1:10:43.10
Andrew Davis
We'll, we'll, Paige start Page started talking, but then she she was, she was muted.
1:10:44.60 --> 1:10:45.800
Andrew Davis
OK. Yeah.
1:10:50.490 --> 1:10:51.80
Paige Catt (Guest)
How's that?
1:10:50.840 --> 1:10:52.860
Andrew Davis
Here, that's good. Now we can hear it.
1:10:52.310 --> 1:11:16.740
Paige Catt (Guest)
OK, I I have to piggyback off of all everybody, especially Robert, you know, saying staying connected. You
know, once you retire, I just had to stay connected and this with head start again head start has been a
big part of my life and getting to the head start centers and you know that's pretty easy for me because
they have strict strict guidelines they have to go by and so.
1:11:17.40 --> 1:11:22.430
Paige Catt (Guest)
And it it's just, it's just a fun job. It's just fun so.
1:11:23.700 --> 1:11:24.90
Andrew Davis
Thank you.
1:11:23.300 --> 1:11:28.290
Paige Catt (Guest)
That I agree with everybody. What they what everybody's saying is just resonates.
1:11:30.610 --> 1:11:31.150
Andrew Davis
Thank you.
1:11:30.710 --> 1:11:32.940
Paige Catt (Guest)
That all traces talking to us or.
1:11:34.220 --> 1:11:34.620
Andrew Davis
No.
1:11:35.20 --> 1:11:35.750
Paige Catt (Guest)
OK.
1:11:37.450 --> 1:11:40.470
Andrew Davis
Salina. Sorry didn't mean to cut you off. You you were added to yours.
1:11:39.770 --> 1:12:6.330
Washington, Salina
Ohh no, I'm sorry, I didn't know Paige was speaking, but I was just about to say when you're in this field
just to see the candidates want to know what's developmentally appropriate and want to move
forward. Because in this field, there are so many child care centers that can't afford to pay. People who
are actually receiving formal education and who actually know what's developmentally appropriate. A
lot of times.
1:12:10.740 --> 1:12:11.140
Andrew Davis
Mm-hmm.
1:12:6.430 --> 1:12:20.600
Washington, Salina
Talking things are just hiring people that are just walking in and just want a job and they have no clue to
what's developmentally appropriate for the children that they're working with. So for them to be at the
point where they wanna know and they wanna move forward.
1:12:21.850 --> 1:12:24.420
Washington, Salina
That that's something that's very rewarded.
1:12:25.390 --> 1:12:39.160
Andrew Davis
That's fantastic. Thank you for sharing. That will give the opportunity for Sebawit or Theresa to to share
any reflections if you have no obligation to, but if if it's something that's already has been said then.
1:12:39.240 --> 1:13:0.970
Andrew Davis
Umm. Over. Move on to my my last question which is what? What can we do collectively at the Council
to just be more helpful? I know you. You've given like a tremendous amount of suggestions already and
there's a role that you all play. I appreciate the.
1:13:2.610 --> 1:13:18.710
Andrew Davis
For lack of a better term, the sacrifice that that you make and the concessions that you make in, in, in
pursuit of all as all kind of doing this work together and understanding is complexities. But if there are
things that we can do to be more helpful, what would you say those things would be?
1:13:20.640 --> 1:13:21.570
Andrew Davis
You have Theresa go ahead.
1:13:24.800 --> 1:13:25.590
Andrew Davis
OK.
1:13:22.480 --> 1:13:42.670
Teresa McKay
OK. Yeah, I'm really talking to you this time. I've just been over here talking to myself and agreeing with
everything. So I think one of the most helpful things that we had going and chonda you probably, I think
you were the one that did it was like in Florida, we just had a statewide PD specialist meeting.
1:13:47.950 --> 1:13:48.330
Chonda Walden
Uh-huh.
1:13:43.510 --> 1:14:14.100
Teresa McKay
And so it would be nice to have like, even if it's twice a year just to have a virtual meeting, it doesn't
have to be in person. And I mean, we're zooming all the time, right or or teams meetings all the time. So
if we could just have a get together of those of us who are, you know, involved and, you know, just
didn't even have to be a long meeting just to check in or just to update on some things or or what have
you. I think that would be super helpful.
1:14:14.680 --> 1:14:25.170
Andrew Davis
Sorry, sorry. Just to piggyback on that, so does do do all of you feel the same way that you benefit from
the community of other PD specialists and and what's happening?
1:14:26.140 --> 1:14:36.400
Andrew Davis
And so two follow up questions to that number one, do you feel like it matters whether it's regional or
national?
1:14:37.200 --> 1:14:51.810
Andrew Davis
Or is it just the getting together is helpful? That's the first question. The second one is getting together is
a confident in person conference for just PD specialists. Would that be valuable to you as well? So those
two questions.
1:14:52.950 --> 1:14:53.700
Andrew Davis
What was that?
1:14:52.740 --> 1:14:58.550
Teresa McKay
I I would say yes, just because I'm already off mute. But I would say yes to both of those things.
1:14:58.820 --> 1:14:59.180
Andrew Davis
Great.
1:14:59.210 --> 1:15:14.750
Teresa McKay
I think that it would be valuable. The PDS symposium is wonderful during the conference, but you know
quite honestly, the conference is is intense. And so it almost feels like we don't get everything that we
want to get accomplished.
1:15:16.220 --> 1:15:32.50
Teresa McKay
During that time, I mean, it's always great. So don't get me wrong on that. But I think both regional and
maybe you know non regional, I mean I, you know maybe one of each, I mean I don't know and I realize
that that puts a lot onto the CDA staff but.
1:15:32.550 --> 1:15:35.370
Teresa McKay
Umm, I think for us it would be beneficial.
1:15:36.290 --> 1:15:37.700
Andrew Davis
Thank you. Very helpful.
1:15:39.410 --> 1:15:45.840
Marjorie (Guest)
I feel like Chonda and Larissa have been like a game change for my practice.
1:15:46.770 --> 1:15:47.650
Larissa Norris
Thank you.
1:15:46.980 --> 1:16:11.490
Marjorie (Guest)
Having having like real people that you can reach out to when you know you're gonna get a response
timely I think is a huge support. I also had Raquel Andrade for some time, but I lost contact with her. Her
phone changed. But anyways, I like that we have real people that know that we are working and we
need support so that for me is huge.
1:16:11.880 --> 1:16:12.180
Andrew Davis
Great.
1:16:12.970 --> 1:16:13.700
Andrew Davis
Thank you so much.
1:16:23.580 --> 1:16:24.410
Larissa Norris
Thank you.
1:16:12.830 --> 1:16:33.360
Paige Catt (Guest)
I have said that before too, that Larissa has been a game changer. I mean, I I was on my way to step out
the door and I found her on Facebook and I and I told her that when I when I met her in Baltimore, I said
you have you made a difference. And so, you know, just being able to talk to someone.
1:16:32.190 --> 1:16:40.260
Andrew Davis
Paige, can you can, can you say more about that? Like, when you say you were about to step out the
door and say more about that.
1:16:40.620 --> 1:17:3.610
Paige Catt (Guest)
OK. Well I think it all happened when the computers they they had the maintenance on the computers. I
filled out one verification visit. I probably did it four times and that's a lot of work. And and it wasn't just
that one that I did four times, I did several. It was during the busy, busy time and I was I was ready to
give up.
1:17:7.330 --> 1:17:7.670
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
1:17:4.860 --> 1:17:30.330
Paige Catt (Guest)
It was just not worth it to me and so, but even you know, today I've learned several things just from the
conversations that I've seen or I've heard from everybody else. I'm not sure, you know, I'm in my own
world head start world. I really have it made. And you know, I've I've ventured out to a couple of centers
that, you know, it hadn't. It hadn't been the best. And I think, well, they need to be in head start but.
1:17:31.610 --> 1:17:43.690
Paige Catt (Guest)
And there's a whole new world out there and I'm probably need to be out there and and listening to
other people also. So I love this idea of regional or, you know, just this today was amazing.
1:17:44.640 --> 1:17:45.420
Andrew Davis
Thank you, Paige.
1:17:50.130 --> 1:17:51.930
Washington, Salina
Oh, I think I never read muted.
1:17:52.270 --> 1:17:53.170
Andrew Davis
OK.
1:17:54.990 --> 1:18:3.200
Andrew Davis
But well, the did you have well still still open to everyone? There's the question of how we can be more
helpful if you all have any additional thoughts.
1:18:5.990 --> 1:18:8.700
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Well, I would emphasize the word more.
1:18:9.270 --> 1:18:10.150
Andrew Davis
Umm OK.
1:18:9.590 --> 1:18:13.20
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And in the context of quality improvement cause I.
1:18:13.980 --> 1:18:18.150
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And more than satisfied with what is so.
1:18:19.890 --> 1:18:20.940
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
One thought.
1:18:23.140 --> 1:18:30.400
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So I now realize I was at the first leadership, whatever that it was called.
1:18:31.880 --> 1:18:35.50
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And there was an intentional effort to set-up.
1:18:35.770 --> 1:18:41.820
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
PD specialist as a community of practice and I remember at that.
1:18:42.610 --> 1:18:48.980
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Three day event there was a day spent by everyone there.
1:18:50.600 --> 1:18:51.470
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Giving.
1:18:53.150 --> 1:18:58.720
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Are best for what that would look like and then it disappeared.
1:18:59.420 --> 1:19:0.510
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm so.
1:19:1.880 --> 1:19:14.360
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I would I I was very excited about it because I find as a a consultant and working with adults. There's for
me very little professional development.
1:19:15.360 --> 1:19:16.260
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
About.
1:19:17.10 --> 1:19:18.820
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
How I can improve?
1:19:19.950 --> 1:19:21.20
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
In my practice.
1:19:22.360 --> 1:19:23.690
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
In adult learning.
1:19:25.100 --> 1:19:25.640
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm.
1:19:26.490 --> 1:19:31.900
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
And from this conversation I would say perhaps.
1:19:33.310 --> 1:19:34.500
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Looking at.
1:19:37.330 --> 1:19:41.260
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
In the context of raising what the stipend is.
1:19:42.0 --> 1:19:47.980
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Mid perhaps making it like a compensation package. So maybe the leadership.
1:19:48.820 --> 1:19:51.470
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm event that happens?
1:19:52.10 --> 1:19:56.810
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm, again, I don't know the finances, but there would be a definite.
1:19:59.70 --> 1:20:4.160
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Special rate acknowledging the PD specialist are.
1:20:15.440 --> 1:20:15.720
Andrew Davis
Yep.
1:20:5.490 --> 1:20:21.590
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
That the Council could not compensate PD specialist at the rate that's respectable, which I think is
important in our field. And so as a result of that has put together this package that.
1:20:22.550 --> 1:20:25.600
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Is financially possible.
1:20:26.480 --> 1:20:26.810
Andrew Davis
Got it.
1:20:29.820 --> 1:20:30.520
Andrew Davis
Thank you, Robert.
1:20:36.450 --> 1:20:49.480
Charvella McKaye
I don't know if this has been mentioned already, but I'm just the recruitment effort for more PD
specialists I know sometimes in my area I have students that really have a hard time getting a PD
specialist.
1:20:53.560 --> 1:20:54.100
Andrew Davis
Mm-hmm.
1:20:58.870 --> 1:20:59.440
Andrew Davis
Thank you.
1:21:0.410 --> 1:21:30.760
Andrew Davis
Yeah, I think one one thing that's you know, we're trying to balance is the need for where there are
qualified PD specialists and where there are some who is. Marjorie was saying before might not be, you
know, operating at a level that of quality that we would all you know feel good about. And that's one of
those things that we're trying to get to that.
1:21:30.820 --> 1:21:33.830
Andrew Davis
That right number in in our.
1:21:34.900 --> 1:21:43.310
Andrew Davis
Yeah. So that's one of those active conversations that we're having and it's directly related to the
compensation in conversation as well. So yeah.
1:21:44.150 --> 1:21:46.720
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Well, Andrew, I want I love.
1:21:47.430 --> 1:21:48.880
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Doing virtual visits.
1:21:51.170 --> 1:21:56.920
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Sometimes I think from for the Council, it's been the best kept secret.
1:21:58.390 --> 1:22:21.640
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
So how you to help improve? I would be marketing it heavily. I'm because to me that takes care of what
we need PD specialists. I love that I do virtual verification visits across the whole East Coast and and
that's professionally stimulating that in increases.
1:22:30.640 --> 1:22:40.390
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Umm, otherwise and and it it enriches my ability to to contribute to my local early childhood.
1:22:42.40 --> 1:22:45.900
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Community and its cost effective so.
1:22:47.430 --> 1:22:51.670
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
I I guess for me it's becoming at least for me, clear this package.
1:22:53.120 --> 1:22:54.220
Robert Gundling, Ed.D. (Guest)
Making sense?
1:22:55.160 --> 1:22:56.900
Andrew Davis
Yes, well.
1:22:57.60 --> 1:23:29.980
Andrew Davis
Ohh it's I I I wanna say everyone. Thank you so much for your time, for your candor, for your
contributions. I wanna be respectful of everyone's time. And so as we're we're wrapping up this has
been incredibly helpful and enlightening for me and I want to in the chat I'm just gonna put my e-mail
there so that in the event that there are things that you can think of for me or that other thoughts that
you have along the way or things that you.
1:23:30.70 --> 1:23:30.480
Andrew Davis
Umm.
1:23:31.970 --> 1:23:32.410
Andrew Davis
Just.
1:23:33.490 --> 1:23:46.710
Andrew Davis
One to share or things that might be a good idea. Feel free to send me an e-mail or reach out to me
because I'm I'm really eager to learn. I don't know if my camera's messing up here.
1:23:47.920 --> 1:23:50.430
Abena Ocran-Jackson
Andrew Dom Charvella had her hand up.
1:23:50.570 --> 1:23:52.920
Andrew Davis
OK. Yes, thank you, charvella.
1:23:53.290 --> 1:24:8.620
Charvella McKaye
Yes, I just wanted to know, I see it. I will being recorded. Is it possible to receive a copy? I feel like I came
in on on such the end that I wanna see if there's questions I could contribute to. And I do have some
thoughts. But I didn't wanna repeat what was already said so.
1:24:10.300 --> 1:24:39.970
Andrew Davis
Sure, yes. And chonda chonda is going to follow up with everyone and sharing the recording and and if
there are things that come out of that is is she shares that with all of you or thoughts that you wanted
to, you know, go a little deeper on or ask questions, feel free to do that. And I really invite that we want
this to be, you know we see this as a very reciprocal relationship where we wanna develop the systems
that help you do your work really well. And we also want to leverage your visibility to things that we just
can't see.
1:24:40.650 --> 1:24:55.530
Andrew Davis
From from where we sit? So, but thank you for your your contributions today, very, very meaningful to
me. And I'm I'm really what I wasn't anticipating that I was really struck by is just how.
1:24:57.280 --> 1:24:58.220
Andrew Davis
Just.
1:24:59.110 --> 1:25:13.830
Andrew Davis
Not not the commitment, because that's true throughout early childhood. But but it's the the passion
through this energy of people together through a shared experience, that that comes through. There's
like a joy. And I think Margery.
1:25:14.870 --> 1:25:40.110
Andrew Davis
You know you you talked about who can't remember who said joy, but like there. But it's like a part of it
being fun and just enjoying the camaraderie and being together in this very, very meaningful work. So
thank you again for helping me with my learning and consider my door open. And if you can not, if you
can't reach them. But even if you have things that are specifically for me, feel free to reach. Reach out.
So thank you all so much.
1:25:43.480 --> 1:25:43.760
Andrew Davis
Right.
1:25:43.710 --> 1:25:46.600
Chonda Walden
Thank you everyone. Have a great Thursday.
1:25:49.350 --> 1:25:50.280
Larissa Norris
Thank you.
1:25:48.410 --> 1:25:50.460
Sebawit Yirsaw
Thank you. Have a great Thursday.
1:25:50.940 --> 1:25:51.700
Chonda Walden
Bye bye.
1:25:51.150 --> 1:25:52.730
Andrew Davis
You're six. Save travels everywhere.
1:25:51.880 --> 1:25:53.210
Marjorie (Guest)
Thank you. Bye.
1:25:54.400 --> 1:25:54.940
Sebawit Yirsaw
Thank you.
1:25:51.920 --> 1:25:55.240
Teresa McKay
Thanks. Thank you, Andrew, pleasure to meet you.
1:25:55.190 --> 1:25:58.270
Andrew Davis
Please to meet you as well. Hope I see some of you guys in Florida.
1:25:59.200 --> 1:26:0.90
Teresa McKay
Ohh you will.
1:26:0.310 --> 1:26:1.290
Andrew Davis
Yeah.
1:26:2.110 --> 1:26:3.20
Teresa McKay
Bye everybody.
1:26:2.420 --> 1:26:9.490
Marjorie (Guest)
Andrew bye. I just. I just stayed a little longer. Just show off or like, I don't know how the.
1:26:10.540 --> 1:26:18.810
Marjorie (Guest)
How the logistics for having a test in Portuguese, but I'll be more than happy to cooperate with that
because I think the.
1:26:20.540 --> 1:26:40.670
Marjorie (Guest)
That what I was saying about the paper and pen. So I think having the test, the digital test and making it
fair could be a big help for that matter too. So I'll be help happy to help with translating questions in
Portuguese or whatever I could help with.
1:26:42.870 --> 1:26:43.520
Marjorie (Guest)
OK.
1:26:41.660 --> 1:26:45.60
Andrew Davis
Thank you so much, Marjorie. That that's very helpful, yes.
1:26:43.380 --> 1:26:45.270
Chonda Walden
That's awesome. Thanks, madre.
1:26:45.510 --> 1:26:48.350
Marjorie (Guest)
Yes. Yes, thank you. Bye.
1:26:49.0 --> 1:26:49.320
Andrew Davis
Bye bye.
1:26:48.840 --> 1:26:49.460
Chonda Walden
Bye bye.
1:26:51.680 --> 1:26:52.410
Chonda Walden
All right.
1:26:54.620 --> 1:26:56.430
Chonda Walden
In every one hang on for a little bit.
1:26:56.870 --> 1:26:57.200
Andrew Davis
Yep.