Outlines the essential skills required of 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 and mentors get information about and activities related to: (1) the basic assumptions, beliefs, and goals of mentoring programs; (2) opportunities for mentoring and the process of selecting mentors and assigning proteges; (3) the key areas of knowledge underlying mentoring, including adult development and learning styles, reflective practice, culturally relevant anti-bias education, and the dynamics of change; (4) the process of growing and developing as a teacher or provider, including the qualities of experienced and effective teachers and providers and ways to achieve professional excellence; (5) essential steps in building relationships between mentors and prot??g??s, including establishing expectations and goals and supporting each other; (6) particular skills for effective mentoring, including communication, modeling, giving and receiving feedback, coaching and conferencing, resolving conflict, self-assessment, and avoiding burnout; and (7) the role of mentors as leaders and advocates for quality child care. The curriculum offers both trainers and mentors a starting point for ongoing professional development.
