High-quality child care begins with strong, skilled leadership. The dedicated Coordinators, Directors, and Teachers in early learning programs play a vital role in shaping the success of young children. Research shows that children in quality programs develop stronger cognitive, social-emotional, and language skills—leading to greater success in school and life.
The California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP), funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), supports experienced professionals across the state in mentoring the next generation of early childhood educators. CECMP strengthens a diverse workforce that includes:
- Family Child Care programs
- Private centers
- State Preschools
- Head Start programs
Through CECMP, veteran teachers mentor student teachers from community colleges, ROPs, and four-year ECE programs, while also supporting current Directors, FCC Owner-Operators, and peers in the field.
Goals of the CECMP
Outreach
To seek a broad representation of quality child care and development for our Selection Committee Members, Mentor Teachers, Director Mentors, and Coordinators who are reflective of the communities they serve.
Placements
To provide quality placements with certified Mentors for Community College, University, Regional Occupation Program students, and workforce in childcare and development throughout their education and career journey.
Mentorship
To provide any administrator in the child care and development workforce seeking mentorship placement with a certified Director Mentor.
Workforce
To build workforce capacity through reflective, interactive, in-depth study of leadership, and mentoring skills; hence providing relevant, inclusive, culturally responsive, and equity driven professional development through individual mentoring and/or Communities of Practice (CoP).
Leadership
To encourage leadership opportunities in mentoring, training, facilitating, advocacy, and community collaboration.
Our goals provide students with a strong Mentor who will allow them the freedom to develop their leadership skills in a controlled environment. The results are better prepared graduates in the ECE field. Our program facilitates the relationships between the colleges, facilities, Mentor Teachers, Director Mentors and Mentee/Protegés, along with providing stipends and professional development for the Mentor Teachers and Directors.