Overview

The Building Blocks Family Day Care Mentor Program began in June 2003 as family child care providers received mentor training from the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association. This 2-day training covered such issues as provider rights and responsibilities, communication skills, diversity, special needs mentoring, and accessing resources and have been held annually since then.

Trained mentors have been paired with new child care providers to help them with the day-to-day details of managing their child care business. Research shows that the rate of success in business increases with the use of a mentor.

What is the New Provider Expected to Do?
The new provider, or mentee, is expected to maintain regular contact with the mentor. She is also expected to set business and professional goals which the mentor can assist her in identifying and reaching. The provider should be willing to devote time and energy to the mentor relationship.

How do I Get More Information?
You can contact the Department of Social Service Licensing Social Worker for your area, your local Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) site, or you can contact the Office of Child Care Services at 1-800-227-3020, ext. 6434.

Forms for Current Mentors