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Child & Family Education: Mentor Teacher Program

The California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP) at Antelope Valley College (AVC) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of early childhood education by providing support, training, and mentorship to emerging educators. At AVC, our mission is to connect experienced early childhood professionals with aspiring educators, offering them valuable fieldwork opportunities and guidance in real-world classroom settings. Through this program, we aim to foster a supportive and enriching learning environment that helps future educators develop essential skills, gain practical experience, and grow into confident, knowledgeable professionals ready to make a positive impact in early childhood education.

Our work includes the careful selection and training of mentor teachers who exhibit excellence in early childhood education practices. These mentors provide hands-on guidance to students, helping them apply theoretical knowledge in practice, navigate classroom challenges, and reflect on their teaching methods. The CECMP at AVC also emphasizes collaboration with local early childhood education centers, creating a network of high-quality sites where students can complete their practicum hours. By building strong community partnerships and continuously improving our mentorship processes, we ensure that our students receive the best possible preparation for their future careers in early childhood education.

For further program information please view the CECMP site:

California Early Childhood Mentor Program

 

Mentor Teachers

At Antelope Valley College, our mentor teachers are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to the early childhood education community. These dedicated educators are not only deeply versed in the latest educational theories and practices but are also committed to fostering the growth and development of both current and aspiring early childhood educators.

AVC CECMP 

Mentor Teachers

Coordinator

Dr. Stephanie Peoples 

Contact the AVC-CECMP Coordinator: stephanie.peoples@avc.edu

Training and Support 

  • Enhancing Classroom Environment
  • Curriculum Development
  • Defining Inquiry Based and Investigative Curriculum
  • Preparing Classroom Materials
  • Working with California Desired Results for Children and Families – revised
  • Assessment Strategies
  • Promoting  Science and Exploration in the Classroom
  • Building Early Literacy Skills
  • Building Early Math Skills
  • Cognitive Development Through Block Play
  • Everyday Sensory Exploration
  • Promoting Positive Behaviors
  • Parent Involvement
  • Kindergarten Transition Readiness

Student Support

  • Individual Guidance for Continuing Education
  • Subject Tutoring
  • Child Development Permit Application Assistance

 

Full Time Child & Family Education Faculty
Photo
Name
Email
Office
Extension

Yadira Arellano wearing a white shirt.

 Yadira Arellano  yadira.arellano@avc.edu CDC 117B 6827
Kimberly Barker kimberly.barker@avc.edu MH 236 6118
Stephanie Peoples smiling wearing black and yellow. Dr. Stephanie Peoples stephanie.peoples@avc.edu MH 222 6840

The Antelope Valley Early Childhood Mentor Program is a joint undertaking of Antelope Valley College and The California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP). This program is funded by the California Department of Social Service (CDSS), supports Mentors throughout California in providing leadership and guidance to students entering the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, and current child care Directors and Teachers. Partnering with nearly 100 Community Colleges – and growing – the Mentor Program supports a diverse workforce of family child care programs, private child care centers, State Preschools and Head Start programs.