Launch of Rethinking Mentorship in Early Childhood Education and Care

This essential collection presents a diverse range of perspectives on mentoring in Early Learning and Care from academic and applied viewpoints, challenging traditional approaches and providing a rich exploration of mentoring from both theoretical and practical angles. Drawing from the perspectives of critical inquiry, Reggio Emilia, Indigenous worldviews, feminist and posthumanist theories, and more, this book explores how mentoring can be reimagined to support policymaking, educator training, recruitment and retention, and professional development. With contributions from leading scholars, practitioners, and advocacy groups, the book presents insights to re-orient mentoring at every stage of an educator's career-whether pre-service, in-service, or retirement. Essential reading for Early Childhood Education faculty, administrators, pedagogical leaders, researchers, and those involved in workforce development, this book offers the knowledge and inspiration needed to re-story mentoring as a vital force for progress in the field.

Dr. Barbara Pytka

Lecturer Seneca Polytechnic. Her research explores the intersection of ECE, mentorship, technology, and pedagogy with a strong focus on children’s voices. Barbara is committed to enhancing preservice ECE and advocating for intellectual experiences for ECE students.

Terry Kelly

RECE and Lecturer at Seneca Polytechnic. Her work focuses on deconstructing colonial and neoliberal frameworks while promoting mindful connection to Land for ECE students, professionals, and for children and families.

Dr. Kimberley Bezaire

ECE and Faculty at Seneca Polytechnic creating courses in curriculum studies, play-based pedagogies and professional learning in the early years.  Her research includes play-literacy interfaces, family play, Kindergarten team-building, toddler education and pedagogical documentation.   She is a contributor to collaborative projects with/for Educators, including Professional Learning in the Early Years, and Building & Enriching Partnerships in Kindergarten.  Kimberly has a keen interest in supporting reflective practice, and the innovative approaches educators are using in real life classrooms and playrooms. 

Nikki Martyn, Ed.D.

Child development expert. educator, researcher, and author specializing in early childhood development, attachment, and the impact of digital life on children’s emotional well-being. A former Chair in Early Childhood Studies, her work bridges research and real-world practice. An award-winning educator and innovator, Nikki is also the founder of The Love Model Inc and The Love Lab for Child Futures, creating tools that foster emotional safety, and well-being for children and caregivers worldwide. 

Melanie Dixon

Director of Professional Practice at the College of Early Childhood Educators, Canada’s only self-regulatory body for the profession of early childhood education. An RECE with over 20 years experience, she has been a participatory leader in local and provincial networks, planning tables and advisory groups. Melanie has interests in integration of services for children, youth and families, and is currently focusing on leadership and mentorship in early childhood education.

Dr. Randa Khattar

Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Western University. She specializes in the intersection of relational pedagogies and early childhood studies. She is committed to fostering ethical and collective possibilities, she collaborates with early childhood communities to implement innovative, participatory methodologies that address the complexities of social, ecological political, and historical contexts in education.

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