"Being a part of the mentoring program offered by the Region of Durham in partnership with the ECCDC has been a rewarding experience. I feel I have grown, both personally and professionally. Now in my role as Supervisor, I feel more confident in my decision-making and being a role model for my staff. All 12 modules were pertinent to the child care field but the one on Wellbeing resonated the most, as mental health issues are on the rise. I would like to thank Patricia, Katie-Lynn, and Janine for dedicating so much of their time to this program. It was a pilot project, and it was implemented so well. As a long-term RECE, I recommend to anyone if you have the chance to participate in the mentoring program, do yourself a favour and do it. You will only benefit from it. Thank you." - Sharon McDermott RECE, Centre Supervisor, Ontario Street Preschool & School Age Program

"When I first heard about this program, I was excited at the prospect of meeting fellow supervisors who could help me grow and learn in my role as a Supervisor. Each month, the topics were relevant and thought-provoking. I liked the way the sessions were structured with lots of leading questions that kept me reflecting on my own day-to-day practices. As the months went on, the sessions became little glimpses into other centres. I learned so many wonderful things and ways to become a mentor and leader myself. Those sessions were personal, eye-opening, and I treasured all the conversations we had." - Erin O'Keefe, RECE

"I was excited to join the Mentoring Pairs program, especially as I'm new to my role as a Supervisor. My goals for this program were to grow in my role, learn how to motivate, connect with and inspire my team, and promote professional development. My mentor, Dee, has been the greatest takeaway from this experience, supporting me throughout this past year. One of the key lessons I'm taking away is the importance of communication, including active listening, to ensure staff feel heard and valued. I've also learned the importance of promoting time management, as it's always helpful to give a gentle nudge in this area, and of building consistency in my approach as a supervisor. I truly enjoyed this experience, especially the meaningful conversations and relationships that were formed. At times, our timing ran out and we wanted more conversation! Dee has helped me gain confidence as a supervisor, particularly in handling difficult conversations and approaching situations with a broader perspective. I'm happy to say that Dee and I will continue our relationship beyond this experience. Despite our busy lives, we made it through this year with dedication, and I'm grateful for the journey. I'd like to sincerely thank Katie-Lynn and Patricia for all their hard work and support - I truly appreciate it. I will continue to seek guidance when needed and will actively encourage my team to focus on their own professional development, and I wish the best for everyone." - Megan Chennie

"Connections to the Early Learning Field - I feel revitalized and enthusiastic about my career and profession.
College of ECE Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice - I demonstrate professionalism in my relationships with children, families, colleagues, and the community.
Ethical and Reflective Practice - I incorporate a moral code and ethical decision-making.
Communication and Connection - I am committed to being a lifelong learner and modeling it for the team.
Wellbeing - I look for opportunities to acknowledge, encourage, and recognize what the staff bring to the program.
Leadership - I recognize and foster leadership within my staff team. I am committed to providing intentional professional learning opportunities and supporting staff with their ongoing professional learning journey.
Pedagogical Practice - I encourage educators to share ideas and materials with their colleagues as important resources in enhancing their practice.
Mentoring and Facilitation Practices - I nurture and mentor those entering the profession.
Holistic View of the Child - I encourage educators to recognize and honour children's first language and/or traditional language.
Building Family and Community Connections and Relationships - I establish and maintain collaborative partnerships through trust and integrity with educators, families, and community agencies.
Early Learning and Child Care Administration - I am skilled at developing job descriptions and personnel policies and practices which include dispositions, CECE and Standards of Practice, Human Resources components, child care legislative requirements, and the needs of the program.
Issues and Trends in Early Learning and Child Care - I am proactive in the recruitment and retention of staff.
Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Practices - I champion the unique rights, dignity, and needs of all children, families and staff." - Dahlia Almojuela

"It was so great to connect with everyone throughout this journey together to think and reflect a lot more. I've learned to take time to care for myself so that I can help my team. My team of Educators enjoyed the information I would bring back to them, it has really helped them and I see a lot of improvement within their rooms. They are reflecting more and having meaningful conversations amongst themselves and with the children. From the beginning of this journey to now I see a great change and I'm grateful that we got to have this experience. This is not goodbye, we will still see each other. Thank you." - Angela Barba

"As a Mentor in the Mentoring Pairs for Child Care program, I found the experience to be incredibly rewarding, not just for my Mentee, but for myself as well. One of the most meaningful aspects was the connection I built with my Mentee. We were able to share ideas, challenges, and successes in a way that felt supportive and collaborative. It was a chance to truly listen, offer guidance, and watch someone else grow in confidence and in their role.

What I didn't expect, but truly appreciated, was how much I grew through the process, too. Taking the time to mentor someone encouraged me to slow down and reflect on my own leadership style, my communication, and my approach to problem-solving. It reminded me that even when you're in a leadership role, you're never done learning. There's always room to pause, reflect, and adjust.

Another benefit was the wider community that formed through the program. Beyond the Mentor-Mentee relationship, I had the opportunity to connect with other Supervisors and professionals in the area. These new relationships opened up conversations that I may not have had otherwise and helped create a stronger sense of support and collaboration within our sector.

Participating in the program gave me a renewed sense of purpose in my role. It helped me see the impact we can have when we take time to invest in each other's growth. The mentoring experience wasn't just about offering advice - it was about listening, learning together, and building a foundation of trust. I came away with new perspectives, stronger relationships, and a deeper appreciation for the value of mentorship in the child care field.

I'm truly grateful to have been part of the program, and I would encourage others to take part if they have the opportunity - whether as a Mentor or a Mentee. It's a powerful reminder that we are all still growing, and that we grow stronger together." - Kelly Stevens, RECE

"I've always had a bit of imposter syndrome, and having started as a newer Supervisor in September 2020 (after 6-month closure for COVID) did not help. I had no prior supervisory experience, and no licensed child care experience other than my school placements. This program was an opportunity to not only learn from other Supervisors, but also to get to know them and allow them to get to know me, not just as an Educator but as a human being. This helped me feel more comfortable and be more confident to voice my opinions and ideas and really feel like I could add valuable contributions to the content we were focused on. Giving myself the time weekly to really be reflective about myself, and all those in our child care community, was really important work. Thank you for providing the space and resources and accommodating my needs!" 

"I will be able to lean on the knowledge and information shared within the modules." - Lori Corrigan, Wellington County

"The Mentoring Pairs program was a wonderful experience. I was able to connect with professionals who opened my mind to other points of view and ways of doing things. The consistent reflection of the College of ECE's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice was a wonderful reminder of our professional body and the positive impact that provides to Educators. I learned much about myself as I came alongside other Supervisors and understood how much experience and information I actually had to share. I felt that my value as an experienced Director was shared and my confidence has grown. The relationships and connections that have been developed provided me with additional resources and support that I may not have been able to foster without this program. It was a beneficial and educational program!" - Natalie Murphy