Infant and toddler program develops child care mentors

Child care in South Carolina is getting a boost from a new program to spread expertise through a network of well-seasoned caregivers.

COLUMBIA, SC – February 26, 2013 – The S.C. Program for Infant/Toddler Care is working in partnership with the Georgia Program for Infant and Toddler Care to develop a team of mentors who can share their experience with other child care professionals. The mentor training began with a kickoff meeting in Greenville in January. At the first gathering, program leaders congratulated the mentor training participants on their commitment to child care.

I’m excited that we can partner between the two states. We’re thrilled that there is this much interest, said Kerrie Schnake, director of SCPITC. We know that the impact of this training will multiply. We think this is a really wise investment.

The mentor training is being conducted by Quality Assist in Atlanta. Participants are attending 44 hours of classroom training geared toward helping them be effective mentors to other infant/toddler teachers. There are 16 participants from South Carolina and 13 from Georgia.

Laura Johns, director of GAPITC, noted that the mentor trainees represent many types of child care models including faith-based, family child care, for-profit and nonprofit. She applauded the caregivers’ willingness to lead other professionals in their field.

You are leaders from the middle: professionals who understand the uniqueness of infant/toddler care, Johns said. You have a commitment to giving back to your field.

Leigh Bolick, director of South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Care Services, also commended the mentoring participants for being part of the training.

This mentoring type of process is going to make a difference in South Carolina, Bolick said. Your commitment to infant/toddler care is great.

Mentor training participants will learn about topics such as adult development and learning, diversity, effective communication, leadership, the mentoring process and early childhood best practices.

Bobby Cagle, commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, said the mentor training is essential for developing better infant/toddler child care and that the top childcare providers were selected to participate.

This is a part of our roadmap. I know it’s a part of South Carolina’s roadmap. If we wait to start with some children at age 4, it’s too late, Cagle said. The mentoring is going to spread knowledge in the field and lead to much better outcomes.

SCPITC is a statewide program that educates child care providers about the best ways to support infants’ and toddlers’ early learning and healthy development. SCPITC has a statewide network of infant and toddler specialists, supported by SC DSS, who provide free training and coaching to child care providers at their care locations.

The child care teachers and child care program directors in our state that are caring for our youngest citizens are charged with an incredible responsibility to the future of our society, Schnake said. They are shaping the lives of millions of children during the most critical point in human development. Early experiences last a lifetime, so it’s critical that these experiences be positive and foster healthy development and learning that will provide these young children the foundation they need for later life success.

Schnake, director of SCPITC, is the recipient of the 2012 Marian Wright Edelman Advocacy Award, designed to honor a person who has made a significant contribution that changes the lives of children in positive ways. Schnake established the SCPITC Network in 2006 with the support of the S.C. Department of Social Services.

SCPITC is part of the University of South Carolina’s College of Education in Columbia, S.C.

For details about SCPITC, call (803) 777-0092 or visit scpitc.org. SCPITC offers a free online expert advice forum for parents and caregivers.