Accessing Higher Education provides assistance to childcare providers in their pursuit of returning to school and enrolling in Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes.

Assessing Higher Education (AHE) was created for adult advanced education in Early Childhood/ Family Consumer Science. Adult learners who are employed in an early childhood facility or home are eligible to receive benefits from AHE. Cash incentives are available if funds permits for those who completes a college semester in early childhood with a GPA of 2.5 or better. A lending library is also available for participants who need to borrow textbooks or a laptop for online courses. If you meet the following qualifications and need assistance please call our Accessing Higher Eduction Coordinator

My Name is Brenda Yancey and my position at FGV Smart Start is Accessing Higher Education Coordinator. I recruit students for the local Early Childhood departments through on-site visits to child care center facilities and homes. I assist participants with registration, financial aid such as applying for FASA, Wages, Teach Early Childhood Scholarship and Vance Granville Community College scholarships. Tutoring and coaching is available to all participants enrolled in Accessing Higher Education. Participant trainings, laptop computers for distant learning, and a textbook lending library is maintained and accessible to child care providers. After course completion a cash incentive will be awarded to participants each semester who have a 2.5 or higher-grade point average, including the Credentials 1& 2 course. In addition, child care facilities may receive incentives for strategies such as helping their teacher assistants, lead teachers, and directors increase education points by referring them to the Accessing Higher. For additional information please call me directly at 252-572-0364.

Program Spotlight

melissa bullock accessing higher education

When asked Melissa what did you like best about the Accessing Higher Education Program she stated, “the program was a big help as it provided me books for all my education class and I did not have to purchase. Mrs. Yancey, the Coordinator of the program, ensured I had all available resources. And the bonuses I received throughout the program were an extra special incentive. I would recommend the program to anyone working towards a degree “.

Melissa Bullock is a Lead Teacher for 3- and 4-year-old preschoolers at Dream World Academy in Franklinton NC. Melissa started the FGV Smart Start Accessing Higher Education Program (AHE) in 2023. The AHE program supports teachers working in Childcare Centers obtain certificates, credential and Associate Degrees. The program assists teachers with educational guidance, resources such as books and laptops and it also offers incentives for students who maintains a 2.5 or higher GPA each semester.

Through the support of the Accessing Higher Education Program, Melissa has obtained the following certificates and received her Associated in Applied Science Degree (Early Childhood Education) from Vance Granville Community College on May 16, 2025.

Certificate (Early Childhood Education-Administration Certificate)
Certificate (Early Childhood Education)
Certificate (Infant/Toddlers Care (Certificate)