Mentors

The Basics

Mentoring a Registered Child Care Apprentice

An Associate Degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or higher is a preferred. If the mentor works in a 3 STAR or higher or nationally accredited program, those with a CDA credential may be considered.

Support from the employer, which indicates successful experience in providing high quality care/education services in full day child care settings.

A two year commitment to formal supervision of an apprentice in the U.S. DOL/VT DOL registered child care apprenticeship program and an IPDP that includes supervision skills.

Benefits include professional growth and recognition in a child care setting.

The teacher who is working in a child care program and has demonstrated outstanding skills has the opportunity for professional growth by mentoring a Registered Child Care Apprentice. In child care settings it is not uncommon for an experienced teacher to provide support and supervision for those with less experience. The Vermont Child Care Apprentice Program provides a framework and training needed to support an apprentice.

The teacher Mentoring the apprentice will need to understand the overall Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program and his/her role in monitoring and assessing the work of the apprentice. S/he will play a key role in supporting the apprentice as h/she incorporates the knowledge gained in the related instruction course work to on-the-job skills. It is important for the teacher to understand and accept this additional responsibility prior to committing to supervising an apprentice. The rewards, however, of supporting a person growing in this important profession may help this teacher stay in her/his chosen field rather than leave for higher paid positions in other settings or fields.