EDvance College is an independent nonprofit higher education institution focused on preparing and advancing the early childhood education workforce. It was created to serve working adults already employed in childcare and early learning settings who seek to earn credentials while continuing to work.

The institution traces its roots to a 2009 program developed within San Francisco State University that supported degree completion for early childhood educators. It later evolved into a standalone college and became independently accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the early 2020s.

EDvance College’s model is designed around the realities of adult learners and incumbent workers. Programs emphasize flexible scheduling, online or hybrid delivery, cohort-based learning, affordability, and applied coursework connected to professional practice. This approach reflects a broader trend toward workforce-focused colleges built around specific occupations or talent shortages. Specifically, the College was established to address the shortage of early childhood educators by building a diverse and skilled workforce that reflects the communities they serve. Many early childhood professionals have faced significant barriers to obtaining the degrees and support needed to advance in their careers.

The College offers the following programs and services to support career advancement for educators seeking supervisory, lead teacher, administrative, or expanded professional roles in the early childhood field:

• BA in Early Childhood Studies
  • 120-unit program designed to be completed in four years for fulltime students
  • Completion of two senior projects
  • Capstone Project: comprehensive inquiry project on an early childhood education issue
  • Professional Portfolio: showcase of student’s work demonstrating mastery of concepts and skills
  • Students are enrolled in small cohorts and move through courses and curriculum together.
  • There are multiple entry points based on the student's current academic experience.
• General Education (GE) Courses
  • Courses in Math, English, Arts & Culture, and History to help students complete EDvance lower division GE requirements and ensure a smooth transfer into the BA program. practical.
• Teacher Permit Certificate
  • 46-unit program, (4-semesters) designed for early childhood professionals looking to upgrade their ECE permit levels through an accelerated, cohort-based model.
  • Enables earning Teacher Permit Certificate and seamless path toward BA in Early Childhood Studies.
• Services
  • Bilingual coursework
  • Comprehensive support services
  • Courses offered remotely and at convenient times for working students
  • Earn-and-learn model allows students to earn college credit for paid employment and use their workplace to practice skills learned in the classroom.

Funding & Partners

• Alameda County Office of Education
• Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
• Crankstart Foundation
• Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration
• Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS)
• First 5 Santa Clara County
• Harold L. Wyman Foundation
• Heising-Simons Foundation
• Hellman Foundation
• IRISE Early Education Pathways
• Izzi Early Education
• Kenneth Rainin Foundation
• Mimi and Peter Haas Fund
• Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)
• San Francisco Department of Early Childhood
• SEIU Education & Support Fund
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation
• Silver Giving Foundation
• Sobrato Family Foundation
• Stranahan Foundation
• Tides Foundation
• K. Kellogg Foundation
• EDvance College: Advancing Early Childhood Education Workforce

Resources

https://www.edvance.edu/