California ECE Mentoring Program

The California Early Childhood Mentor Program values and promotes relationship-based professional development as the key to increasing the quality of Early Care and Education environments for all children. To achieve a stable and high-quality ECE workforce, we provide a combination of benefits to the field.

The activities promote success among college students who aspire to teach by supporting them with hands-on integration of theory and practice; improved practice among administrators by providing them with management and leadership support; stability and professional growth of both Mentor Teachers and Director Mentors by enhancing income, recognition, and professional development opportunities; more degree and certificate completion within institutions of higher learning by offering flexible practicum options; and development of higher quality ECE programs serving children and families in California communities. It is the integration of these activities that makes the impact unique.

For information about becoming a mentor teacher or director or requesting one, contact the COD Mentor Coordinator, Assistant Professor Maria Avalos, at maavalos@collegeofthedesert.edu or leave a message at 760.674.7817

If you want to learn general information about the Mentor Program, visit their website.​