Pathways to Early Education
Supporting Early Educators of today and tomorrow.
The Pathways Program is a multi-pronged initiative intended to increase the recruitment and retention of early childhood educators.
Pathways incentivizes both prospective and existing early educators to ascend academically and climb the pay-scale ladder through the administration of an Education and Retention Bonus Program and a Mentorship Program.
Education and Retention Bonus Program
The Pathways Education & Retention Bonus Program is available to individuals who are currently employed in an Early Childhood Education Program in Transylvania County and enrolled in Early Childhood Education classes at Blue Ridge Community College or other accredited institution.
Enrollees who successfully complete their courses shall receive a bonus of:
$100 for 1 class
$200 for 2 classes
$300 for 3 or more classes.
The program will be available for both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Fill out the form below to apply.
Mentorship Program
The Pathways Mentorship Program connects a new teacher (with less than 2 years of experience) with a more practiced teacher to receive one-on-one mentorship.
This 6 week program gives early educators the opportunity to reflect critically on their knowledge and skills in an effort to enhance and improve their overall instruction and practice.
Participants may serve in the role of mentor or mentee and each will be awarded $250 upon successful completion of the program.
An ECE Program Director referral is required for participation in this program. Only Directors may submit an enrollment application. If you are the Director of a local child care program and would like to submit two educators to participate in Pathways Mentorship, please fill out the form below.
For more information, or general inquiries about the Pathways to Early Education program, contact:
Susan Thrower// Early Childhood Project Manager