Activity 3.6 | Mentorship

Every profession requires potential workers to gain knowledge of their field through a period of study, individually or in groups. Early childhood education students learn theories, regulations and guidelines, and practice social skills such as communication, empathy, adaptability, creativity and collaboration. The new educator will enter child care with theoretical knowledge and minimum hours of practicum experience, knowing how to maintain a safe environment, observe and guide children, create learning experiences, and organize routines. Most early childhood educators will arrive at their first position with enough self-confidence to feel that they will be successful.

The next phase of becoming a skilled and knowledgeable educator is through mentorship. The program leader can enhance the learning and sense of belonging of the new educator by providing different levels of mentorship. Mentors may be chosen or happen naturally when an experienced educator and a new educator find commonalities and connections. The program leader will prepare team members to take on the opportunity to mentor and encourage an ongoing cycle of being mentoring and mentoring others. Include time in team meetings to recognize individual strengths and offer resources such as articles or professional development workshops to empower educators to be eager to share their knowledge. 

One of the attributes of being a successful mentor includes knowledge of the many supports for educators. Since the childcare sector began its development over fifty years ago organizations have sprung up in support of educators. Training programs for nearly every issue are available. In this course, we have examined many resources that support leaders and mentors. Experts in the field and researchers have developed codes of ethics, occupational standards, early learning frameworks, planning guides and other relevant resources.

The BC Early Learning Framework (ELF)is a key document guiding the practice of ECEs in British Columbia. It is always included in formal training for ECE certification. To review again:  

For the aspiring mentor, additional knowledge about the Indigenous Learning Framework, and the Métis Early Learning Framework, is invaluable. These documents should be available on your centre’s bookshelf for educators to review as companions to the ELF.

References