Provides step-by-step guidance in training child care professionals to become early childhood mentors. The curriculum can be used in formal mentoring programs and also in classes and workshops at community colleges, child care centers, family child care associations, Head Start agencies, or other training and staff development sites. Trainers get guidance on and an outline of activities associated with introducing prospective early childhood mentors to: (1) the value and purpose of mentoring; (2) the various ways in which mentoring programs can be structured; (3) the principles of child development and good early childhood education practices; (4) the principles of adult development, with emphasis on professional growth and development of teachers and child care providers; (5) the skills necessary for building good relationships with proteges, including the ability to recognize individual strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and attitudes that help or hinder communication with others; (6) particular skills in areas of giving and receiving feedback, resolving conflict, and avoiding burnout; and (7) steps in professional progression of mentors, including workshop leadership. Trainers can expect that their newly minted mentors will need coaching themselves to improve their skills, whether in the context of an ongoing support group or through continuing training.
