Expanding Access to Higher Education for Family Child Care Providers

First 5 Santa Clara Partnership

EDvance College, in partnership with FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, is excited to launch a fully funded degree pathway for early childhood educators in the county!

This initiative expands our recruitment efforts to reach more early childhood educators, with a special focus on family child care providers in Santa Clara County. This opportunity is being delivered through a dedicated Santa Clara cohort in our Upper Division pathway, creating a seamless two-year pathway to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Early Childhood Studies.

By offering this accessible pathway, our program directly addresses and overcomes the traditional barriers to higher education faced by full-time FCC business owners who often have limited alternative pathways. We're proud to report that 10 dedicated educators started their journey this fall, and our commitment is growing, with plans to recruit another 18 Santa Clara students in 2026.

To hear more about how this partnership is truly changing lives and careers, listen to the voices on the front lines. Here’s what one of our FCC providers in Santa Clara shared:

“As a family child care provider, having access to a fully funded degree pathway that supports my career advancement is empowering and motivating.

Since completing my AA in Child Development, I’ve wanted to earn my BA, but the cost was a major barrier. When people ask why I chose to continue my studies, I tell them, ‘I will be more confident in understanding children and families’ needs in my childcare program. I will be able to serve them better. That will not only benefit me but also the community I serve.’

As soon as I learned about this opportunity, I was all in. I am incredibly grateful to First 5 of Santa Clara County for this fully funded opportunity. It is more than financial support, it’s a chance to grow professionally and make a greater impact.”

— Vanita Patel