Aussie Childcare Network Forum • Mentoring partnerships
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Mentoring partnerships

Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 1:01 pm
by A.Blore
I'm not sure where to start with this question as I have no books for this subject, just the internet. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?


Part E | Mutual Mentoring [Reflection] The Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) recognises families as “children’s first and most influential educators” and where “children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community” (p.7). Furthermore, Principle 2 Partnerships from the Early Years Learning Framework, states that it is essential that educators work in partnership with families. “Partnerships are based on the foundations of understanding each other’s expectations and attitudes, and build on the strength of each other’s’ knowledge” (p.12). With the knowledge from the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) and responsibilities as an Educator to enact this in practice, ‘mutual mentoring’ provides an effective strategy to support collaborative participation. Mutual mentoring is a partnership arrangement that focuses on specific areas of experience and expertise, which includes a reciprocity of benefits for all parties involved in the mutual mentoring. Mentoring partnerships can include a variety of individuals and does not necessarily sit solely between two people. Mutual mentoring is a collaborative process which allows educators, children, families, community members and other support professionals to work together, sharing their expertise and experience. Traditional mentoring historically involves one expert and one less knowledgeable and experienced person. Mutual mentoring recognises all participants as valuable contributors to the process. In alignment to the Early Years Learning Framework, how could you see this process of mutual mentoring effectively occurring within your early childhood education and care service? Within your response, include at least 2 strategies you could implement to support an environment of shared responsibility and participation of all parties within a mutual mentoring process, incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and communities (Minimum 150 words)