Early childhood teachers as mentors – Supporting students in their Child Care Center

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Recalls its own way of learning
When I entered his first practical experience in an early childhood service, how would you feel? Were you shy, insecure, and overwhelmed? He was confident and ready to make the most of their time in the center? Think back to each of its workshops and remember these feelings as they begin to support the student at your institution.

See the student as being in a learning journey
The student is working for a well-rounded professional, but is not expected to be there. The trip takes time and like to support children in their development, helping and challenging, so we have to support and challenge our students.

Consider that part of the course the student is on. Which is the beginning of their studies or their course? Our expectations of a new student need to be very different from a student about to complete their course.

Provide a good induction program
Centers must have an induction program that allows students to understand the expectations of the service and staff. We can not expect students to work towards professionalism if they are informed about school and its programs. Induction programs should include a tour of downtown, the introduction of each staff member and their role, information on relevant policies and procedures, and confidentiality. Students also need to know the heart of the expectations on the arrival or departure procedures, the pauses, the written work practices, and how to implement their assigned tasks by their institution of learning. Encourage students to ask questions of staff, particularly the principal.

Assign an officer Mentoring
It can be very confusing to students if a number of staff are monitoring their placement. Assign an officer to support and mentor students, and if they have the same working time.

To introduce the student to children and families
As Supervisor of TAFE, there was a number of times I’ve visited in work placement students and families of the services had little idea of the “stranger” in the corner playing with his son. Families have a right to know a little about the people caring for their children. It is a requirement of most educational institutions that the student poster display a picture of what they are and where they come from. Ensure that this has been completed, along with a note of welcome / introduction in the center of your newsletter. This helps students to feel they are valued and will lead to greater teamwork.

Children often have to ask themselves about strangers, but a positive experience for both the student and the children have a proper introduction. Children can learn to say the student’s name and a bit about them.

Taking time to explore the student’s written work
The student is an adult and ultimately responsible for their assessment in writing. However, to be effective mentors, we must understand the expectations of the institution of learning and how we can best support the student. Familiar with what the requirements are, what the student should be competent at the end of practice, and what kind of experiences that the student may need to implement in time. This on a daily basis, discussing with students what they have prepared for the next day.

Provide constructive feedback
Suffice it to mention the students work, or the signature of their assistance is not the best of our own experience and learning. Comments on the positive things about their interactions, teamwork, efficiency and written work. Offer suggestions and ideas on how they can exploit their strengths and areas of growth challenge.

View the student with a balanced perspective
It is the largest fall in the trap center where the supervision of students. They tend to see pupils in one of two extremes.

1. As’ just a student “- which can lead to the vision center staff of the student, either as an additional nuisance or contract that can help do the ’dirty work’ O

2. A ’new best friend “- which can lead to the student is an outlet for personal gossip or complaints about the school.

A professional mentor knows how to balance the student is a member of team cooperation, but it will be prudent in its decision to share “home” information about the service.

Workshops are part of the learning process and ultimately the development of new officials for the Early Childhood field. When learning students mentoring to remember that the best practical way to support you and why …. and then be part of another positive memory of early childhood as a support, guide and grow.