ByNicole Ferguson Marshall (she/her) B.Ed. M.Ed.
“I thought I understood child development from our classes, but it wasn’t until my site supervisor walked me through a situation with a frustrated toddler that everything clicked. She explained what the child was trying to communicate, and suddenly I saw the whole moment differently.” ECE student mentoree
We were all beginners once, and those first days, months, (and even years) in early learning can feel overwhelming. If you are in a position to support others and help them feel less anxious and more confident, I hope you choose to take on this important responsibility of mentoring a fellow educator. Mentorship is not always easy, but it is profoundly impactful. Students and new ECEs rely on this guidance as they develop professionally and learn to provide high-quality care for young children.
In my work with early childhood education students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many dedicated educators who take on the role of supervisor—and, more importantly, mentor—during practicum placements in early learning and child care programs. This mentorship role is also often embraced by pedagogical leaders, senior educators, and directors when welcoming new staff into their programs.
Here is why your mentorship matters:
1. Bridging theory with real-world practice
ECE programs teach child development, curriculum approaches, and guidance strategies—but applying these concepts in a busy classroom is a skill in itself. By modelling effective practices and offering clear explanations, mentors help students understand what theory looks like in action: managing transitions, observing children and using those observations to guide interactions and programming, or adapting activities for different developmental needs.
2. Building confidence and professional identity
Working with young children can feel intimidating at first. A supportive mentor offers reassurance, models best practice, and helps students begin shaping their own approach to supporting children and families. As confidence grows, so does the quality of their interactions, their planning and implementation of strategies and programming.
3. Encouraging reflective practice
Effective educators reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and why. Mentors can guide this process by asking thoughtful questions, such as:
- What do you think went well?
- What might you try differently next time? Why?
- What meaning are you making from your observations?
- What are you learning about the children—the program—yourself?
This reflection builds intentional, self-aware professionals.
4. Promoting developmentally appropriate practice
Mentors help students learn to observe children closely, interpret behaviour through a developmental lens, and plan responsive experiences. This ensures new educators use practices that truly support children’s growth and well-being.
5. Strengthening professionalism and ethics
Mentors model how to communicate respectfully with families, collaborate with colleagues, follow ethical guidelines, and advocate for children. They also share helpful resources, websites, and articles, explaining how these tools have influenced their own practice. This exposure helps new educators understand the professional expectations of the field.
6. Providing emotional support
Working with young children is rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Mentors provide empathy, reassurance, and strategies for coping with stress—support that reduces burnout and hopefully helps retain new educators in the field.
In supporting new ECEs, you contribute not only to their growth, but also to your own professional development and to the strength of the entire field. Providing timely, constructive feedback can be challenging within the busy rhythm of early years programs, yet it is one of the most valuable forms of support.
Mentoring Approaches that Work
Mentors need guidance too, here are things to keep in mind:
- Offering specific examples of what a student did well, alongside gentle suggestions for growth, encourages the learning you are aiming to foster.
- Try checking in throughout the day and creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable experimenting, taking risks, and stretching their skills.
- Mistakes are part of learning; your patience and approachability model the respectful, collaborative communication we all hope to see in early learning environments.
- Recognizing progress and celebrating milestones boosts motivation and helps students see their own strengths.
Personl Reflections and Feedback from Students about Mentoring:
Many students have shared how these practical experiences have fundamentally changed the way they see children, child care, and their own role within it. A student once told me,
“I thought I understood child development from our classes, but it wasn’t until my site supervisor walked me through a situation with a frustrated toddler that everything clicked. She explained what the child was trying to communicate, and suddenly I saw the whole moment differently.”
New ECEs benefit from the chance to share ideas, talk through challenges, and brainstorm with more experienced educators. For example, after a conversation about building relationships with families, a new ECE once shared that after a conversation with her more experienced room partner she came to better understand how to connect with families.
“I hadn’t realized how much small, everyday interactions matter. My mentor suggested that I start by greeting each parent personally at drop-off and mentioning one positive thing I noticed about their child when I see them at pick up time. I tried it, and the families immediately opened up more. It made me feel more confident and helped me understand that connecting with families doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be genuine.”
Hearing reflections like these reminds me that strong mentorship doesn’t just teach skills—it transforms perspectives and helps shape thoughtful, confident educators. It’s important to remember that the work ECEs do is complex and nuanced, and having the guidance of a mentor can be an invaluable source of support for those who are new to the field.
From my perspective of having been a mentor and a mentoree, this kind of mentoring is one of the most valuable parts of early learning education. I’ve seen how personalized feedback builds confidence and encourages students to trust their instincts while still refining their skills. It also fosters a mindset of curiosity and reflection—qualities that are essential for anyone working with young children.
On behalf of instructors and students, thank you for the guidance, and care. We value your expertise, your experience and your wisdom about the complexities of this profession. These hands-on experiences—and your mentorship—set new educators on a strong and confident path forward.
Nicole Ferguson Marshall, an Early Childhood Education instructor, was honoured with the Faculty Award for Excellence at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus. She is a dedicated and passionate instructor, known for effectively bridging theory and practice. As a liaison with the Childcare Demonstration Center, she enhances student learning and supports professional development through collaborative projects and practicum coordination. Nicole fosters an inclusive classroom, actively engages in research and global forums, and plays a key role in strengthening partnerships that benefit both students and childcare centres.
