California Early Childhood Mentor Program

09/02/2026

Dear ECE Colleagues,
Please join us on Friday, October 9, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. to learn about the Workforce Pathways LA Career & College Advisement Toolkit and explore how it can support your work with ECE students.

Building on the legacy of the Investing in Early Educators Stipend Program (AB 212), Workforce Pathways LA is a comprehensive workforce development model that works in partnership with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA). The program supports early educators as they move along the career lattice, with a focus on:
• Licensing, health, and safety
• Professional development, permits, and degrees
• Workforce systems improvement

Workforce Pathways LA also provides financial incentives for achieving career and educational milestones, along with professional development and career advisement for early educators across a variety of settings.

As part of this work, Workforce Pathways LA developed the Career & College Advisement Toolkit to support the early care and education field.

During our October 9 session, we will explore how the resources in the Toolkit can be used when advising students about coursework, degrees, permits, and ECE career pathways. We also want to hear from you: What additional resources would make the Toolkit more useful to you and the students you advise?

You are welcome to review the Toolkit prior to our meeting:
• Career & College Advisement Toolkit:https://childcare.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WPLA-Career-College-Advisement-Toolkit-FINAL.pdf
• Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4870509200?omn=82872141716

We hope you can join us!

~PEACH, An Early Childhood Higher Education Collaborative

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06/30/2026

Start your adventure today!

As educators and early childhood professionals, caring for ourselves helps us show up with patience, confidence, and compassion for the children, families, and communities we serve. Small daily wellness practices can create space for reflection, balance, and personal growth.

Becoming a mentor allows you to strengthen your leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and inspire the next generation of educators while continuing to learn about yourself along the way. Mentorship is also a journey of self-growth.

Celebrate your progress and consider how your experience could help guide someone else. 💙

Become part of the California Early Childhood Mentor Program community and help shape the future of ECE, one relationship at a time.

Visit: https://cecmp.org/

Image Description A pastel “Self-Care Bingo” board featuring wellness activities including drinking water, journaling, meditating, stretching, walking, and spending time in nature, with a reminder to explore becoming a mentor. A “Becoming a Mentor” graphic with soft blue and beige tones explains how mentoring supports educator growth, leadership, collaboration, and the future of early childhood education.

06/30/2026

Summer is a time to reset, recharge, and rediscover joy in the work we do. ☀️🍃

As educators, we spend so much time supporting others that it’s important to also make space for rest, reflection, and personal growth. Whether you are taking time to relax, reconnect with loved ones, or prepare for a new season of teaching, this summer can also be an opportunity to explore the power of mentorship.

Mentoring in early childhood education is more than professional support—it is a chance to inspire, lead, learn, and grow alongside fellow educators. By sharing your experience and wisdom, you help strengthen the future of the ECE workforce while continuing your own journey of self-discovery and leadership.

This summer, embrace the reset and consider becoming part of a supportive mentoring community. 🌿

Learn more about becoming a mentor:

Visit: https://cecmp.org/

CECMP MentorProgram Tanessa Sanchez Chabot College

Image 1 Description A summer-themed graphic with sunglasses and the message “Teacher on Break Summer 2026,” encouraging educators to rest, recharge, and explore mentoring opportunities through the California Early Childhood Mentor Program. A motivational graphic features a quote by Anton Chekhov beside two people celebrating outdoors in a park.

06/22/2026

The legacy of strong early childhood educators reminds us why mentorship, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences matter so deeply in our field.

Lilian Katz’s belief that children should be encouraged to explore, question, and wonder continues to inspire educators today. As mentors and leaders in ECE, we have the responsibility to nurture environments where both children and educators feel empowered to grow through inquiry, reflection, and connection.

At the California Early Childhood Mentor Program, we value the importance of experienced educators sharing their knowledge, guidance, and passion with the next generation of teachers. Mentorship helps strengthen the workforce while uplifting practices that support children, families, and communities.

Thank you for sharing this thoughtful tribute and honoring the impact of a true pioneer in early childhood education. 💙🌱

In this moving tribute in the new Exchange Community Voices, Carol Logie reflects on the lasting impact of early childhood pioneer Lilian Katz and the lessons she shared with educators.

"She was an advocate of simply this: Teachers have the responsibility to engage children in inquiry and children should be encouraged to be nosy."

✨ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲: https://hub.exchangepress.com/articles-on-demand/85318

06/19/2026

CECMP Celebrates Juneteenth ❤️🤍💙

The Juneteenth flag featured in this image represents a new beginning and the promise of freedom for all. The star at the center symbolizes Texas, where enslaved African Americans first learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865, while the bursting outline reflects a new horizon and opportunities ahead. Juneteenth is not only Black history, it is American history.

As educators and mentors, we have a responsibility to share stories and truths that uplift, educate, and inspire the next generation. Through mentorship, we create spaces where every individual feels seen, valued, accepted, and validated. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we strengthen our classrooms, communities, and the future of early childhood education.

Join us in celebrating freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity in America. ❤️🤍💙

Become a supportive member of our mentoring community:

🌐 https://cecmp.org/

Chabot College Tanessa Sanchez

Image Description: Graphic celebrating Juneteenth with colorful stars and flowers surrounding hands holding a heart designed with the Juneteenth flag colors and symbol. Text encourages becoming a supportive member of the California Early Childhood Mentor Program community.

06/16/2026

Summer Self-Care Tip No. 4: Finding Balance 🌿

Early childhood educators dedicate so much of themselves to supporting children, families, and communities. This summer, give yourself permission to pause, recharge, and restore balance between work, family, and personal well-being.

Finding balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about creating space for what matters most. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, reconnecting with loved ones, setting healthy boundaries, or engaging in professional growth, investing in your wellness helps sustain the passion that fuels your work.

As you reflect on the year and prepare for the next, consider taking your impact one step further by becoming a mentor. Mentors play a vital role in supporting the next generation of early childhood professionals while strengthening the workforce and building a culture of connection, leadership, and belonging.

✨ Prioritize your wellness.
✨ Invest in your growth.
✨ Inspire others through mentorship.

Learn more about becoming a mentor and joining our statewide community: https://cecmp.org/
Chabot College Tanessa Sanchez

Image Description: A CECMP Summer Self-Care graphic titled “Finding Balance in a Busy World.” The image features wellness tips encouraging balance between work, family, and personal time. Below the text, a person sits peacefully on a dock overlooking a calm lake, reflecting the importance of rest, renewal, and self-care. The graphic invites educators to join the mentoring community and visit cecmp.org.

06/11/2026

Summer Self-Care Tip #3: Restore Wellness 🌿
Summer offers an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and invest in your well-being. As educators, mentors, and leaders, taking care of ourselves helps us continue supporting others with intention and compassion.

This week, focus on three simple ways to restore wellness:

✨ Create meaningful self-care rituals
⚖️ Maintain a healthy work-life balance
🎯 Set realistic goals for the months ahead

When we prioritize our own wellness, we strengthen our ability to guide, encourage, and inspire those around us.

Mentorship begins with a commitment to growth, both for ourselves and for the educators we support. Consider using this season of renewal to reflect on how you can share your knowledge and experience as a Mentor Teacher.

💙 Join a statewide community dedicated to supporting the next generation of early childhood educators.

Learn more about becoming a mentor at https://cecmp.org/

EarlyChildhoodEducation MentorTeacher EducatorWellness ProfessionalGrowth ECELeadership SummerSelfCare

Image Description: A CECMP graphic titled "Summe“ Self Care Tip No. 3: Restore Wellness.” The image highlights three wellness practices: Self-Care Rituals, Maintain a Work-Life Balance, and Set Realistic Goals. Accompanying photos show personal care, balanced work habits, and reflective journaling. The graphic encourages educators to restore wellness during the summer and learn more about becoming a mentor through CECMP.

06/09/2026

Summer Self-Care Tip #2: Practice Mindfulness 🌿

Summer offers a chance to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can help reduce stress, increase focus, and support overall well-being.

Try one of these simple mindful practices:
✨ Mindful breathing
✨ Body scanning
✨ Mindful eating
✨ Gratitude reflection
✨ Journaling

As educators, we spend so much time caring for others. Prioritizing our own wellness helps us return with renewed energy, patience, and purpose.

Looking for a meaningful way to support others while continuing your own growth journey? Consider becoming a mentor. Mentor teachers help guide and inspire the next generation of early childhood educators while building strong, supportive professional communities.

💙 Take care of yourself this summer.
🌱 Invest in the future of the profession.
🤝 Become a mentor.

Learn more: https://cecmp.org/

MentorshipMatters EarlyChildhoodEducation CECMP

Image Description: A blue gradient graphic titled "CE“MP Encourages Summer Self Care Tip No. 2: Daily Mindfulness Practices.” The image lists five mindfulness activities: mindful breathing, body scan, mindful eating, gratitude practice, and journaling. The California Early Childhood Mentor Program logo appears alongside a call to learn more about becoming a supportive member of the mentoring community. The design encourages educators to prioritize self-care and mental wellness during the summer while considering mentorship opportunities.

06/04/2026

Inclusion Begins with Belonging 🌈

Inclusive early learning environments help children develop empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging while celebrating the unique strengths each person brings to the community.

Mentor teachers play a vital role in modeling acceptance, equity, and inclusive practices for the next generation of educators. By sharing knowledge, experience, and encouragement, mentors help create learning spaces where everyone can thrive.

✨ Be a champion for inclusion.
✨ Support future educators.
✨ Help build a stronger, more equitable early childhood workforce.

Become a mentor today and make a lasting impact.

🔗 Learn more: https://cecmp.org/



Image Description: A promotional graphic encouraging acceptance, inclusion, and mentorship in early childhood education. The design highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments where people feel valued, respected, and supported. The graphic includes a call to action inviting experienced educators to become mentor teachers and help foster inclusive practices for future generations.

06/02/2026

When children teach us their story! 🥰