EDvance

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

Four Years Strong and Just Getting Started

Dear EDvance Community,

We are off to a strong start in our fourth year, now serving over 300 students. What excites me most is the impact we’re making, and the proof is in the data. Alumni report 100% full-time employment, nearly two-thirds received a promotion or salary increase, and the majority are earning between $55,000 and $99,000 annually. Just as importantly, our retention rates remain consistently high, with 95% of students returning year to year.

This month, our Executive Team and Board came together for a week-long Strategic Planning Retreat to refine our Scale and Growth model. With a strong foundation in place, we’re now focused on expanding access to even more educators. I’m continually inspired by our faculty and staff, whose dedication and care shine through in everything they do for our students. During the retreat, we heard from one of our partners and alumni who shared how transformative EDvance has been in their journey, a powerful reminder of why we do this work and what’s possible when access to quality degree pathways become a reality for our ECE community.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

With gratitude,

‍

Dr. Lygia Stebbing

President, EDvance College

PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT

Expansion into Santa Clara County

This fall, EDvance College launched a new partnership with FIRST 5 Santa Clara County to expand access to higher education for early childhood educators, with a special focus on Family Child Care (FCC) providers.

FCC providers are essential to the early childhood ecosystem, offering care deeply connected to community, language, and culture. Yet too often, they have been excluded from traditional educator pathways. Together with FIRST 5 Santa Clara, we are working to change that by creating fully funded degree pathways that ensure FCC providers in Santa Clara County have equitable opportunities to advance their education and careers.

This commitment to equitable pathways is best heard directly from the professionals benefiting from it. Here’s what one of our FCC providers in Santa Clara shared about the impact of this new program:

“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

STRENGTHENING RIGOR, FEEDBACK, AND IMPACT

Fall Academic Affairs Planning Retreat

Before the start of each semester, our Academic Affairs team gathers in person for our Planning Institute. This is a dedicated time to review key data from the prior semester and use those insights to inform curricular and program adjustments. The Institute brings together faculty, student success staff, and our Institutional Research and Effectiveness team, ensuring decisions are data-driven and student-centered.

This year’s Institute focused on rigor and quality feedback. At EDvance, students remain at the center of all we do, and our impact extends beyond them to the children they serve. That is why we are continually seeking new ways to strengthen learning and improve educator practice, so that our graduates make a lasting difference in classrooms and communities.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Ines Portugal, Class of 2027

Meet Ines Portugal, an EDvance College student who brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience in Early Childhood Education (ECE) to her studies. As a Family Childcare Provider in San Francisco, she has spent the majority of her career specializing in the growth and development of children ages 3 to 5. For Ines, the program isn't just about earning a degree; it is about elevating her daily practice in the classroom.

When asked how has her practice or work as an educator changed as a result of the program, Ines shared:

“EDvance has made me more intentional in everything I do, how I teach, observe, and communicate. The program has provided me with invaluable tools to create inclusive and culturally affirming learning experiences for young children and their families.”

Thank you, Ines, and to all our students,who bring their experience, dedication, and heart to this work every day. You remind us why EDvance exists.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Sindy McCree LaFages, Class of 2024

At EDvance, our mission is to build an ecosystem of educators who are agents of change, transforming both their communities and the field of early childhood education. Sindy McCree Lafages, a Family Child Care provider in Vallejo, is one of many alumni living out this mission in powerful ways.

Sindy is a leader who lifts others as she grows. She supports EDvance recruitment as an active SEIU member, lends her voice to statewide initiatives like Black ECE, and is now re-launching the Napa-Solano California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC). As President, she’s working to strengthen connections among Family Child Care and Center-Based educators, creating a stronger network of support and advocacy.

Sindy’s leadership reflects the lasting impact of an EDvance education, graduates who not only grow in their own practice but also expand opportunities for others. Thank you, Sindy, for your vision, energy, and commitment to the field.

PARNTER VOICES MATTER

Student Supervisor Drop-In "Meet & Greet" Highlights

This fall, we launched a new way to connect with those who guide our students in the field: our first-ever virtual Student Supervisor Drop-in “Meet and Greet.” Over 30 site supervisors joined us to share their experiences, ask questions, and reflect on how EDvance can continue to strengthen the workforce. Their insights remind us how important it is to adapt to shifting trends in early childhood education and to walk alongside our partners in preparing educators for the realities of today’s classrooms.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Building Our Full-Time Team

This year, we are excited to share that our full-time faculty team has grown. What makes this moment especially meaningful is that all of our new hires served as adjunct faculty with EDvance last year. This allowed them to become deeply connected to the EDvance way and our approach to supporting students before stepping into their new roles.

Jenny Brito began her journey with EDvance through our Faculty Fellows program, first serving as a Writing Coach before moving into teaching.

Sara Sutherland and Yudy Larraburu Naranjo bring their experience as instructional coaches in Bay Area ECE centers, blending their daily work in the field with their teaching at EDvance to elevate the profession.

We are thrilled to welcome them as full-time members of our community. Their expertise, commitment, and passion for students strengthen the faculty team we’re proud to build at EDvance.

‍

Jenny Brito, Sara Sutherland, and Yudy Larraburu Naranjo (left to right)

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Growing Workforce Development Team

Our partnerships are central to how we meet the needs of the ECE workforce. This year, we are excited to be expanding our Workforce Development Team to enhance our outreach and partnership capacity and connect with more educators by meeting them where they are. Through intentional partnerships, we are strengthening entry pathways into EDvance and ensuring that our programs reflect the realities of the workforce.

Arleth Gutierrez, Outreach Coordinator, is building relationships directly with educators and communities to share the unique opportunities EDvance provides.

Olabisi Adesuyi-Fasuyi, Partnerships Manager, is cultivating collaborations with agencies and organizations to align our efforts with the broader ECE ecosystem.

Together, their work helps us expand access, deepen trust, and grow the network of educators who can benefit from an EDvance degree.

JOIN OUR MISSION

Experience EDvance College

We invite you to watch and be inspired by the voices of graduates and partners. See firsthand how EDvance College is preparing the next generation of early childhood leaders, and how you can be part of shaping brighter futures.

Watch now and join us in this mission.

DON'T MISS OUT!

Apply for Spring 2026 GE Pathway!

Do you know an early childhood educator who is ready to take the next step in their career?

There's about 2 weeks left to apply for the Spring 2026 GE Pathway! This is the perfect opportunity for early childhood educators to become transfer-ready for EDvance's BA program. The application deadline is November 1st

‍Please share this flyer with anyone in your network who might benefit from this accessible, career-aligned degree pathway. Your recommendation helps us reach the next generation of ECE leaders!

ECE IN FOCUS

A Story of Resilience and Advocacy: Make a Circle

Make a Circle is a powerful documentary that lifts up the voices of early childhood educators, celebrating their impact while also shining a light on the challenges they face every day. It is a story of resilience, advocacy, and the vital role these educators play in shaping our communities.

This October, you can watch Make a Circle for free on PBS’s website, the PBS app, and YouTube. It is an opportunity to witness the beauty and struggles of a profession that touches every family and future.

Don’t miss the chance to see why early childhood education matters to us all.

Fall 2025 Newsletter