M.E.C.E.

Mentors for Early Care and Education

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead certainly had a sense of the incredible difference that a group of dedicated, committed, and enthusiastic citizens can make! Wouldn't it have been wonderful if she had had the opportunity to meet the outstanding mentors and apprentices in Idaho's Mentors for Early Care and Education Apprenticeship Program! They truly are making a difference in the quality of care for young children in Idaho!

Currently, over 50 mentors and apprentices throughout the state are involved with this two-year program. The apprentices are child care providers who are pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education. They meet weekly with a mentor-an experienced child care provider who has the same or a higher degree than that which the apprentice is seeking. The goal is to integrate the knowledge gained in the college classroom with hands-on application in the child care setting. M.E.C.E. is a nationally recognized program and supports increased wages for child care providers. Seven child care providers have recently completed their apprenticeships and report that they, their centers, and the children and families involved have gained immeasurably from this quality experience!

Mentors are also available for individual contracts with centers and family home providers. This is the child care providers' invitation to "think big" and "ask for what you want." As a participant in IdahoSTARS, you and your program are eligible to "have it all." Please ask for a mentor to support you in ways that will enhance your child care program. Mentors are available for a variety of activities, such as support with the development of business plans, help with communication skills, leadership skills, parent education, development of policies and procedures, and so much more! Just ask!!!

Mentors, too, are available to offer guidance, counseling and resources to child care facilities seeking to obtain NAEYC or NAFCC accreditation. Again, just ask!

All mentors are provided at no cost to the child care provider. For more information and to take advantage of this outstanding program, either as an apprentice or a mentor-please dial 2-1-1 and ask for your Regional Quality Child Care Consultant or for the Mentors for Early Care and Education project.

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Get Involved

We are always looking for mentors and apprentices to join the M.E.C.E. Program. For more information, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 at ask about the M.E.C.E. program. You can find more information on the web at the AEYC site Under Mentors for Early Care and Education.

More about M.E.C.E.

The vision of M.E.C.E. is to develop a pool of qualified professionals throughout Idaho's seven regions, four Native American reservations and the Migrant communities. Under the IdahoSTARS initiative, child care providers and/or directors can obtain financial assistance for mentor services in the following categories:

Idaho Quality Child Care Apprenticeship Program:

A 2-year structured mentoring relationship for the child care provider working 25 or more hrs/wk in a licensed child care facility. The provider must be pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. This is a nationally recognized program that supports wage increases with increased education and experience.

Individualized Program:

Mentors are available for short term projects. These include but are not limited to assistance with communication skills, leadership skills, developing a business plan for a child care facility, preparing for licensing, parent education, development of policies and procedures, and more.

Accreditation Program:

Mentors offer guidance, counseling and resources to child care facilities seeking to obtain NAEYC and NAFCC accreditation. We are currently accepting applications for mentors wishing to work with providers as well as providers seeking mentorship.