What does it mean to mentor? Parsloe and Leedham (2016) state that “Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning, in order that they may maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be.” Mentoring in early childhood programs provides opportunities to support professional development for identified employees, while fostering leadership in other employees. Including mentoring in an early childhood program demonstrates to families and employees that the administration is willing to invest in their employees’ professional growth. 

There are many benefits to the mentoring relationship. Mentors have opportunities to reflect on their own practice, strengthen active listening skills, and enhance relationship-building skills. In addition, being chosen to be a mentor demonstrates that the administration recognizes the individual’s strengths in teaching and modeling. Mentees develop skills and competencies, build confidence in their abilities, and become more intentional in their teaching practices. Program administrators benefit by offering tailored in-house development opportunities that work to improve the overall quality of the early childhood program through relationship building. Finally, children and families benefit in multiple ways. Programs that incorporate mentoring are more likely to have consistent expectations and practices and provide more effective activities and routines for children.

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