The California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP) supports high-quality early care and education by connecting college students with experienced Mentor Teachers in their local communities. Many California Community Colleges do not have on-campus lab schools, leaving students without practicum opportunities. CECMP bridges this gap by placing students with qualified Mentor Teachers in nearby licensed child care centers or family child care homes, making supervised teaching experiences more accessible. The classroom experience helps students learn how to build a trusting relationship with children and parents, along with the daily requirements of the position.
Qualifications of a Mentor Teacher
Mentor Teachers are highly skilled early childhood educators. To ensure the following qualifications are met. Those interested must complete an application. A Selection Committee, comprised of community college faculty, teachers, directors, and child development professionals, reviews applications and evaluates classrooms before approval.
- Minimum of two years of experience teaching in an ECE environment.
- Hold a degree or certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE), including a supervised teaching course.
- Eligible for a California Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level or higher.
- Completed a course in adult supervision and classroom evaluation offered by participating Community Colleges.
- Conducted a self-evaluation of their classroom using an Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, SACERS-3, or FCCERS-3) and received a satisfactory evaluation by the local Selection Committee
Role and Benefits of a Mentor Teacher
Once approved, Mentor Teachers:
- Supervise and guide student teachers, helping them meet their practicum and course requirements.
- Provide hands-on learning experiences that support students in building strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Participate in ongoing professional development, including monthly Mentor Seminars, Annual Mentor Institutes, and public speaking opportunities.
- Receive stipends for both mentoring and professional development participation.
- May also earn additional stipends for non-course-based mentoring or for taking on leadership roles within their community or college.
The CECMP model links financial support with professional growth, helping to create new career pathways for experienced teachers, reduce turnover, increase job satisfaction, and enhance the quality of child care across California.
Seeking mentorship? Click below to contact the Coordinator at your local Community College. If you are a current Mentor Teacher, click below to access your resources and materials. If you have forgotten your Access Key, please email info@cecmp.org.