Improving Care with Mentors
The Mentor Program benefits early childhood Mentors.
- Recognition. Exemplary providers are identified by their peers and the community. Mentor certificates are displayed in child development programs; Mentors are profiled in newsletters and program brochures.
- Training. Mentor candidates receive initial training in the supervision of adults in the classroom, and in program quality assessment. Once selected, Mentors receive ongoing training in mentoring, advocacy, selected child development topics, etc. An annual Mentor Institute provides additional in-depth training to a select group of Mentors.
- Compensation. Mentors receive ongoing compensation
for the supervision of student teachers, and for their own in-service training.
Average stipends earned have represented a 5-6% pay increase to the average
Mentor salary.
- Empowerment. Mentors gain increased awareness of the importance of their voices in the effort for improved child care. Annual Professional Development activities are individualized to encourage each Mentor to develop her or his advocacy skills. Involvement in professional organizations and activities such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children, California Mentor Caucus, Worthy Wage Campaign and the National Mentoring Alliance is encouraged.
- Career development. Mentoring allows providers to advance on the career ladder without leaving the classroom. Additional child development course work and conference presentations are also supported and encouraged through Professional Development requirements.
