Season One of The Council Table comes to a close as Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr. reflects on the conversations, insights, and voices that shaped our first season.

From leadership and workforce innovation to policy, representation, wellness, and educator voice, this episode looks back at what we learned together and looks ahead to what’s next.

As we prepare for the next season, one truth guides the work forward: every educator is a leader, and every leader belongs at this table.

Part 2 of our Council Table Live experience from the Region IV Head Start Leadership Institute explores the next chapter of workforce development, credentialing, and leadership for both Head Start and the Council.

Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr. and moderator Myra Ingram discuss the future of the CDA®, the newly introduced CDP Credential, early educator pipelines, adaptive leadership, self-care, and how Head Start will remain essential to children, families, and the early learning workforce.

A powerful, forward-looking conversation for leaders across the early childhood field.

In this special live episode of The Council Table, recorded at the Region IV Head Start Leadership Institute, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., and guest moderator Myra Ingram explore leadership, workforce challenges, and the enduring connection between the CDA® Credential and Head Start.

Dr. Moore shares personal reflections from his earliest years as a Head Start child and CDA holder to his current role as CEO of the Council, and offers insight into what it means to lead with purpose during uncertain times. The conversation touches on the launch of the Birth-to-Five CDA®, the importance of hiring for character, the need for wellness, and the next generation of ECE leaders.

A lively, heartfelt, and deeply meaningful episode for anyone committed to the future of early learning.

Learn more at councilcan.org or @council_can.

Wellness isn’t an add-on to early childhood education; it’s a requirement.

In this week’s episode of The Council Table, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., speaks with Ant Toombs about what it truly takes to create learning environments where educators and children can thrive.

From burnout and “burn-in” to the importance of joy, presence, and human connection, this episode offers a grounded and honest look at the emotional realities of early learning and how leaders can support their teams meaningfully.

💚 Reclaiming joy starts with caring for the caregivers.

Learn more at councilcan.org or @council_can.

The Council for Professional Recognition and Head Start have always been connected in purpose — from the creation of the CDA® Credential to today’s work supporting educators and families across the country.

In this episode of The Council Table, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., talks with Zuly Vásquez, Senior Manager of Online Professional Development at the National Head Start Association, about how the two organizations continue to collaborate to strengthen the early learning workforce.

They discuss access, bilingual pathways, and the shared belief that when educators are supported, children and families thrive.

Partnership. Purpose. Progress.

Connect with us at www.councilcan.org or on Instagram and TikTok @council_can.

Registries are more than data systems; they’re the connective tissue of the early childhood education profession.

In this episode of The Council Table, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., talks with Dr. Kimberlee Belcher, Executive Director of the National Workforce Registry Alliance, about how registries are transforming workforce visibility and creating stronger connections across states, educators, and systems.

They discuss the critical role registries play in elevating the profession, improving access to training and recognition, and ensuring every educator’s contribution is valued.

💡 Every voice matters — and every educator counts.

Connect with us at www.councilcan.org or on Instagram and TikTok @council_can.

What happens when policy starts by listening to the people doing the work?

In this episode, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr. talks with Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Vice President of National Policy at Start Early and former Director of the Office of Head Start. Together, they explore how early childhood systems can move from ideas on paper to meaningful change in classrooms and communities.

Yvette shares how home visiting, Head Start partnerships, and community-driven initiatives are reshaping how we think about early learning policy, and why listening to educators, families, and providers must be the starting point for every decision.

A powerful reminder that the best systems are those built with the people they serve.

Connect with us at www.councilcan.org or follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @council_can.

What will it take to bring more men into early childhood education, and help them thrive once they’re there?

In this episode, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr. talks with Dr. Keon Berry and Dr. Leah Austin about the state of men in ECE. They explore the personal, systemic, and cultural barriers that influence who joins and stays in the profession, and share ideas for building stronger leadership pipelines for male educators.

A powerful conversation about representation, equity, and the future of early learning.

Connect with us at www.councilcan.org or on Instagram and TikTok @council_can.