Mentorship program

👥 Standard Operating Procedure

New Employee Advisor/Mentor Program

Young Innovators Academy
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Approved By: [Insert Name & Title]

🎯 Purpose

To ensure successful integration of new employees into our school community through personal support, professional guidance, and active role modeling.

🧩 Mentor Selection Criteria

Mentors should demonstrate:

✅ High-quality job performance and professionalism
✅ Patience, empathy, and nurturing temperament
✅ Positive attitude toward change and learning
✅ Strong time management and organizational skills

📝 Mentor Responsibilities

Responsibility	Description
🧭 Policy Guide	Review the staff handbook and explain policies in everyday terms.
🙋 Orientation Support	Tour all classrooms and introduce the employee to the team.
📋 Job Coaching	Demonstrate core routines including transitions, documentation, and behavior guidance.
✅ Evaluation Input	Share observations and insights during 30/60/90-day evaluation meetings.
💬 Listening Ear	Offer a nonjudgmental, welcoming presence for questions and concerns.

📅 On-the-Job Training Model

Using the Advisory Model

New staff may not know what help they need. Mentors should:

Observe interactions quietly before giving feedback
Use the Teacher Problems Checklist to identify areas of need
Reinforce initiative and problem-solving
Encourage the new employee to reflect and ask questions

🗓️ Sample Orientation & Training Week

Day 1: Introduction & Observation

✅ Center tour (include fire exits and safety procedures)
✅ Meet team and visit classrooms
✅ Observe model teacher (not assigned classroom)
✅ Lunch in classroom
✅ Review confidentiality and child record policies
✅ Director-led Q&A session
✅ Meet parents at pickup

Day 2: Health & Policy

✅ Arrival observation and health check process
✅ Daily schedule and class transitions
✅ Emergency protocols: illness, injury, medication
✅ Recordkeeping: incidents, daily logs
✅ Child abuse reporting: video and handbook

Day 3: Hygiene, Licensing & Routines

✅ Infection control training with Director
✅ Classroom observation #2 with planning reflection
✅ Licensing standards: emergencies, nutrition, ratios
✅ Parent handbook and school policy overview
✅ Outdoor play and transitions

Day 4: Full-Day Shadow

✅ Greet families and assist with arrivals
✅ Lead morning routine or group activity
✅ Support transitions, outdoor time, nap, meals
✅ Observe nap supervision
✅ Assist with afternoon pickup routine

Day 5: Integration & Reflection

✅ Repeat Day 4 schedule with increased independence
✅ Mentor reviews sample lesson plans
✅ Director holds feedback session and reflection