What is the Early Childhood Mentor Network (ECMN)?
The Early Childhood Mentor Network (ECMN), under the guidance of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), is a collaborative group of experienced early childhood teachers serving as mentors to those new in their career.
A system of support for professional growth in early childhood careers
The Early Childhood Mentor Network (ECMN), under the guidance of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), is a collaborative group of experienced early childhood teachers serving as mentors to those new in their career.
Quality programs that support New Mexico’s young children and families depend upon a dedicated, experienced workforce. One way that the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) supports early educators and caregivers to advance in knowledge, connect with others, and grow professional opportunities is through mentorship.
CONTACT:
Natane Lim
Early Childhood Mentor Network Program Manager
CNM School of Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences
ecmn@cnm.edu
505-224-3606
The program is working to establish mentorship connections with additional institutions of higher education, as well as Tribal and Spanish speaking communities. Visit CNM website for more information.
For Mentors
What are the Benefits?
-
- Helping to shape the next generation of Early Childhood professionals in a growing community support system
- ECECD Mentorship Certificate
- Professional development and learning opportunities
- Ongoing guidance from Mentor Network leadership
- Reflective practice and networking with colleagues
- Stipends of up to $300 per term
Mentors: click here to learn more about eligibility, access, what to expect and the mentorship process:
For Mentors
Eligibility
- Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Multicultural Education or similar educational degree
- Three years of classroom experience
- Interest in mentoring pre-service teachers
- Direct experience with New Mexico families
Access
- Apply online to become a mentor on the CNM website.
- Answer questions about your experience, education, and interest in becoming a mentor
- Include references, recommendation from director, and transcripts
Process
- Applications may be submitted during Spring through Summer. Upon receipt they are reviewed by the Mentor Network team within 10 days. New cohorts
begin each Fall. - Once accepted, a new mentor attends a welcome workshop and orientation and is paired with a cohort that is overseen by a Lead Mentor for training and advisement.
- Required coursework offered by CNM includes two, three-credit classes on mentorship in Fall and Spring with textbooks and college credit at no cost.
- Once training is complete, mentors receive a State Mentorship Certificate, become part of the statewide network, and may be paired with local students.
- Time commitment of mentors varies, and all interaction with mentees is currently held virtually.
- Mentors meet with the network virtually each month to share experiences and knowledge with their peers.
- Mentors find that the experience invigorates their own career, and leadership is applied in their workplace.
For Students
What are the Benefits?
- Connection with a trusted Early Childhood mentor for guidance and encouragement
- High-quality learning experiences on the path to becoming an educator
- Workforce development pipeline to job opportunities after graduation
Students: click here to learn more about eligibility, access, what to expect:
For Students
Eligibility
- Final year of an Associate’s Degree program in an Early Childhood track from an
accredited New Mexico school - Practicum study in a lab school center or other local Early Childhood center
- Mentorship opportunities for the Infant-Toddler Teacher Network are being developed with specific requirements
- Visit the CNM website for updated information
Access
- Talk with a faculty advisor and express interest in connecting with a mentor
- Faculty works to pair students with an experienced professional in the Mentor Network
What to Expect
- Practicum faculty match each interested student with a mentor, preferably in their community for easy access, one-on-one learning, and local knowledge.
- The mentor meets with the mentee in the classroom/virtual classroom during the practicum year to observe and offer insights and support.
- Time commitment varies, and all interaction with mentors is currently held virtually.
- Strong bonds develop and the mentor relationship often lasts beyond the college program.
- Students are encouraged to continue their education and earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Positive mentorship experience and community connections lead to high levels of success with job placement and career confidence.
- Former mentees give back by mentoring others.
Hear from ECMN Mentors and Students
Downloadable Materials
Early Childhood Mentor Network Information
The Early Childhood Mentor Network is a system of support for professional growth in early childhood careers.
The Infant Toddler Teacher Network
The Infant Toddler Teacher Network
provides research-based best practices
in infant and toddler care for New
Mexico’s early care educators through
training and professional development
opportunities that professionalize the
workforce and encourage reflection. This
work supports the early childhood
community by increasing awareness of
this important age group, creating
opportunities for teachers, encouraging
strong relationships, and advocating for
infants and toddlers.
