Peer Mentoring as a Means of Leader Support in Early Childhood Education and Care

Abstract

Mentoring has become a valuable tool in supporting professionals. However, despite the benefits of mentoring, mentoring in early childhood education (ECE) has been paid only limited attention. The chapter is based on a research project focusing on peer mentoring as a means of leader support in Finnish ECE. The purpose of the project was to implement a peer mentoring programme to develop mentoring for leaders. During the programme, 21 leaders working in ECE were trained to start working as peer mentors for leaders in ECE. Learning activities during the programme required participants to start peer mentoring in their own professional contexts. The study investigates peer mentors’ experiences of peer mentoring related to their mentoring process with their mentees. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group interviews investigating the peer mentors’ experiences of the peer mentoring. The findings show that peer mentoring facilitates leadership in ECE. Peer mentoring provided a safe space to discuss professional issues and dilemmas and is characterised by collegial and reciprocal relationships. The results enhance our understanding of peer mentoring from the perspective of the peer mentors.