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
- Tribal Child Care Programs
Through CECMP, veteran teachers mentor student teachers and apprentices from four-year ECE programs, community colleges, ROP, and Registered Apprenticeship Programs while also supporting current Directors, FCC Owner-Operators, and classroom teachers through peer mentoring.
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 students and apprentices in Community College, University, Regional Occupation Programs, Registered ECE Apprenticeship Programs, and for the California ECE workforce throughout their education and career journey.
Mentorship
To provide workforce support and mentorship/protégé placement in early childhood education centers and programs.
Workforce
To build workforce capacity through reflective, interactive, in-depth study of leadership, and mentoring skills; providing relevant, inclusive, culturally responsive, and equity-driven professional development through annual leadership institutes, Communities of Practice (CoP), Mentor Seminars, and more.
Leadership
To encourage leadership opportunities in mentoring, training, facilitating, advocacy, and community collaboration.
Centering these goals at the heart of our work, CECMP provides students and apprentices 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 relationships between colleges, facilities, Mentor Teachers, Director Mentors and Mentees/Protégés, along with providing stipends and professional development for the Mentor Teachers and Directors.