ENGAGE Building a Mentorship Program for Family Child Care Providers

Family child care is a vital yet often isolated part of the early childhood education system, leaving many providers without strong peer networks or support. This session introduces ENGAGE (Encouraging New Generations of Appalachian’s Great Educators), a mentorship program created in 2023 through the Appalachian Early Childhood Network to build connection and community among providers. Participants will learn how mentorship can strengthen professional growth, reduce burnout, and improve quality outcomes for children and families. The session will highlight both successes and challenges from building ENGAGE, with special emphasis on the value of veteran providers and the need to “pass the torch” to new educators. Through interactive reflection, problem-solving, and planning activities, attendees will leave with practical tools and inspiration to design mentorship opportunities in their own communities.