Professional Regulatory Perspectives on Mentoring

This chapter explores the significance of mentorship within the regulated profession of early childhood education in Ontario. It emphasizes the role of Registered Early Childhood Educators in fostering professional relationships through mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning. The College of Early Childhood Educators, established under the Early Childhood Educators Act , outlines the professional practice standards and expectations for continuous learning for RECEs, highlighting how mentorship is both a professional responsibility and a key component of the RECE identity. This chapter discusses the dual nature of mentorship, formal and informal, and its impact on entry to practice, ongoing learning, and addressing practice issues. Moreover, it addresses the evolving definition of mentorship within the context of professional regulation, showcasing how it facilitates skills development and innovation while maintaining the quality of early childhood education. Reflection questions and resources are included to encourage further discourse and exploration of mentorship in the field.