In 2006, RUCCCS launched plans to develop and implement the Peer Professional Mentoring Program as part of the Professional Development Pathways Initiative. The program served as a natural extension of RUCCCS services and also demonstrated recognition of recommendations made through the New Jersey Statewide CDA Advisory Council. The Peer Professional Mentor will work with current CDA candidates in the field to complete the multi-faceted application and assessment process required to receive a CDA credential through the Council for Professional Recognition. While mentoring is a common practice in K-12 education, the mentoring role is underutilized in early care and education. RUCCCS has embedded the role of mentor and technical advisor within PDPI Phases II and III CDA programs.

As a direct result of this program component, the CDA Credential completion rates improved in Camden from:

22% in 2002
38% in 2003
46% in 2004
and
61% in 2005

Peer Professional Mentor Training-Phases of Training

Phase I:  Selected advisor candidates, complete the “Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring Practice” Course.

Phase II: Advisor Candidates complete a series of six “Nuts and Bolts of CDA Technical Advisement” sessions.

Phase III: Advisor Candidates shadow master level technical advisors in the field to “shadow” advisement in the field.

Phase IV: Advisor Candidates advise and mentor their own cohort of CDA candidates under the auspices of the master technical advisors.

***

From 2008-2010, Rutgers will work to establish three cohorts of advisors across the state working in Camden, Hudson (Urban League-Hudson County) and Somerset (Catholic Charities CCR&R).