California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP)

A CECMP Mentor Teacher is an experienced early childhood educator who has been selected to provide supervised, classroom-based learning experiences for Early Childhood Education students.

Mentor Teachers welcome practicum students into their classrooms and help them connect what they are learning in college with the everyday work of teaching young children. Students have opportunities to observe effective teaching, develop relationships with children and families, practice curriculum and guidance strategies, and reflect on their growth as educators.^*

Within the Los Rios region, practicum students may be placed in approved Mentor Teachers' classrooms and work alongside their Mentor Teacher as part of their college practicum experience.

*reference: CECMP/Mentors, 2026

Mentoring is more than hosting a student in a classroom. Mentor Teachers serve as professional role models, guides, and reflective partners.

As a Mentor Teacher, you may:

• Welcome a college practicum student into your classroom.
• Model responsive, developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Help students understand the daily responsibilities of working with children and families.
• Provide opportunities for students to observe, participate, and gradually take greater responsibility.
• Talk with students about curriculum, interactions, guidance, observation, professionalism, and other ECE practices.
• Meet regularly with the student for reflection and feedback.
• Collaborate with the student's practicum instructor.
• Complete required placement paperwork and evaluations.

Mentor Teachers are expected to be present in the classroom while their practicum student is completing assigned mentoring hours and to provide regular opportunities for reflection and conversation.^*

*reference: CECMP/Mentors, 2026

Becoming a Mentor Teacher is an opportunity to extend your influence beyond the children and families you currently serve.

Support the Future ECE Workforce

Your experience can help a developing educator understand what strong early childhood teaching looks like in practice.

Grow as a Leader

Mentoring encourages experienced educators to articulate their own practices, reflect on their teaching, and develop supervision and leadership skills.

Join a Professional Community

CECMP connects Mentor Teachers with other experienced early childhood professionals and provides opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and leadership.^*

Receive Financial Support

Approved Mentor Teachers may receive stipends for mentoring eligible students and for participation in qualifying professional development and Mentor Program activities. Stipend amounts and eligible activities may vary.^*

*reference: CECMP/Mentors, 2026

CECMP Mentor Teachers are experienced early childhood educators who meet established education, experience, and classroom-quality requirements.

Education and Professional Preparation

Applicants generally must:

• Have completed an Early Childhood Education degree or certificate.
• Have completed coursework that includes supervised student teaching or practicum.
• Have completed an Adult Supervision or Mentor Teacher course.
• Be eligible for the California Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level or higher.^*

The Los Rios program materials identify an ECE degree or certificate that includes at least 24 units of ECE coursework, supervised practicum experience, adult-supervision preparation, general education coursework, and an area of specialization as part of the educational pathway associated with Master Teacher eligibility.

Professional Experience

Applicants should have:

• At least two years of experience teaching in an Early Childhood Education environment.
• Current employment in an ECE setting.
• For full-day programs, at least three hours per day, five days per week with the same group of children.^*

Classroom Environment

The classroom or program must provide an environment that can support a meaningful practicum experience.

Applicants should have:

• Supervisor approval to participate, when applicable.
• A classroom schedule and social environment that support practicum learning.
• Completion of an appropriate Environment Rating Scale for the classroom or program.

CECMP currently identifies instruments such as ECERS-3, ITERS-3, SACERS-3, or FCCERS-3 as appropriate Environment Rating Scales depending on the setting.^*

*reference: CECMP/Mentors, 2026

Mentoring takes place within the normal work of the classroom, but Mentor Teachers should be prepared to dedicate time to supporting the student's professional learning.

A placement may include:

• Hosting a practicum student for assigned classroom hours.
• Being present while the student completes practicum experiences.
• Regular conversations and reflection with the student.
• Providing feedback about the student's growth.
• Communicating with the practicum instructor when needed.
• Completing placement forms and evaluations.

Los Rios practicum placements may involve approximately 6.5 to 7 hours per week across two days, with additional time for reflection and required paperwork.

Because individual practicum courses and placements may differ, specific expectations are reviewed before a Mentor Teacher accepts a student.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is only part of becoming a successful mentor.

Strong Mentor Teachers are educators who:

• Enjoy supporting the growth of other adults.
• Are reflective about their own teaching.
• Welcome questions and discussion.
• Provide constructive and respectful feedback.
• Model professionalism and ethical practice.
• Build responsive relationships with children and families.
• Value diverse cultures, languages, identities, abilities, and family experiences.
• Are willing to collaborate with college faculty.
• See mentoring as both teaching and learning.

The Los Rios Regional Program especially values educators who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the Mentor community, including multilingual educators and teachers working in inclusive and specialized early childhood settings.