Prior to 2020, a group of early childcare directors in Lincoln started discussing the need for a program that would help support the directors of these centers. When that call came, Lincoln Littles answered.
Lincoln Littles created the Peer Mentor Program as an opportunity for child care directors to work together to support one another. In the program, new directors are matched with an experienced provider to assist them in navigating their business of operating a child care center. In the program child care directors develop a sense of belonging in the childcare community, gain practical advice, encouragement, and support, increase their confidence and empowerment, identify goals and establish a sense of direction, and gain strategies for dealing with a variety of topics.
Prudence Devney has worked in childhood development for 30 years, spending 26 of those years as an early childhood director. She has passion for mentoring and assisted in creating the program and is a mentor.
Prudence is paired as a mentor to Silvia Izaguirre. Silvia became the director of Kids First in 2022 after previously working as a teacher.
Silvia connected to Lincoln Littles through Associate Director, Suzanne Schneider and from there she was paired with Prudence.
At the 2024 Lincoln Littles Campaign Kickoff, Silvia Izaguirre shared how Lincoln Littles’ peer mentoring program has been a support to her as a early childhood director.
Silvia describes the role of director as being “on their own island”, taking on roles that only other directors who have done this work would be able to understand the struggles. But Lincoln Littles’ Peer Mentor Program has helped bridge the gap between those islands.
Throughout the time that they have been paired together Silvia has learned a lot about the technical side of being a director. From management, to organization, interviews, technology, as well as maintaining relationships with parents and regulatory tasks.
But one thing that rings true to them both is that the program is much more than learning the ins and outs of the technical side of being a director but most importantly it is building a forever community throughout Lincoln and providing a source of support for the directors.
While the mentorship between the two is intended to provide Silvia guidance from a more seasoned director, Prudence said that it is a partnership where they are learning from one another. “Each of us brings something to the table and in the childcare business we are always learning and growing in the position,” she said.
Silvia emphasized that there will always be a need for childcare, so there will always be a need for quality directors to fill those roles. The support that this program offers ensures that directors are able to provide quality care to their centers and every little one that passes through.
“All children in our community deserve high quality care and with the help of Lincoln Littles, we are committed to providing support to the early childhood directors of Lincoln,”
Prudence Devney has passion for mentoring and assisted in creating the program and is a mentor.
Prudence said. “With Lincoln Littles being formed right before the pandemic hit, they were able to offer assistance to early childhood programs and the directors during a crucial time for our programs.”
Lincoln Littles provided a home for the Peer Mentor Program and funding. The Peer Mentor program had been a dream that turned into a reality thanks to Lincoln Littles.
Part of Lincoln Littles mission is to help provide a more available workforce today and a smarter workforce tomorrow. Through this program they are able to achieve both by ensuring that the directors of child care programs have a proper understanding of the work that they do while working to ensure that this support continues to grow, while simultaneously ensuring the care children need to succeed for our future.
“Many times, child care directors work in isolation without a support system,” said Suzanne Schneider, Lincoln Littles’ Associate Director. “The peer mentor program provides an opportunity to learn and grow professionally while building relationships with others in their community. When faced with a challenge, they have someone to call upon for support.”
Schneider said that this program is making child care programs stronger and directors more confident in the work they do. “We are fortunate to have seasoned professionals in this community that are willing to go above and beyond to support other programs for the benefit of the children and staff working in early childhood.”