What is a Mentor?

The FFCCHA FAMILY CHILD CARE M.E.N.T.O.R Program stands for Mentors Educate, Nurture, Train, Observe and Role Model)

A MENTOR is an active, licensed family child care Provider who has been certified and has met established qualifications and ongoing training requirements and who acts as an experienced and trusted adviser to a new Provider.

To update and maintain a structured, self-sustaining statewide peer Mentoring Program that supports children’s development by encouraging and enhancing quality family child care.

• Improve the quality of child care available for children.
• Assist current provider support staff in meeting the needs of providers in their area.
• Increase provider skill, knowledge and professional development.
• Increase Provider retention by supporting a viable career path.

This program was initially created and developed by Florida Children’s Forum in collaboration with FFCCHA, Inc. Funding was provided by A.L. Mailman Family Foundation. Currently, the program is administered by Florida Family Child Care Home Association, Inc.

• All Mentors accepted into the program must currently operate a licensed family child care home and be a chapter member of FFCCHA. Inc. Additionally, one must have been licensed for at least 3 years, have a CDA or NAFCC Accreditation and have 30 hours in service training within the last 2 years. An application is required.
• There are three categories in this program: Mentors, Mentor Instructors and Mentor Instructor Trainers.
• In addition to these three categories, there are three levels of Mentors available: Level I (Basic), Level II (Intermediate) and Level III (Master Mentor). Each level has higher qualifications and training requirements.
• Mentors are required to meet specific criteria, including 12 hours of initial mentor training and 16 hours of additional training annually.
• All Mentors, Mentor Instructors, and Mentor Instructor Trainers are require to re-certify each year, which include specific on-going training requirements and updates on their child care license and credentials.
• Instructors are required to meet the same requirements as Mentors ( if they are still a provider), but receive and additional eight hours of instructor training as well as on-going training for each mentor curriculum approved by this program’s Advisory Board.
• Prospective Mentors and Instructors are solicited through local chapters of FFCCHA, Inc.

Children

• More capable and better trained providers.
• A more stable environment due to lower provider turnover.

Parents

• Caregiver trained to communicate and support clients and their families
• A choice of higher quality programs

Mentors

• A viable career path that encourages current providers to stay in the child care field.
• Advanced training that will encourage and support current skills and knowledge.

Protégés

• Personalized one-on-one technical assistance with a trained, knowledgeable provider.
• On-going training classes that are designed to increase their skill and knowledge.