Knowledge Center

The Mentor Teacher Credential is a structured, practice-based professional learning experience designed to prepare educators to guide and support others in the field.

Participants selected for the pilot will meet all eligibility criteria and complete credential requirements through active participation over a 6-month period.

Participants will:

• Complete a 30-hour Mentor Teacher training program through asynchronous modules in the Michigan AEYC Knowledge Center
• Participate in at least 3 virtual coaching sessions
• Complete a virtual portfolio, including:
  • Knowledge checks
  • Guided journaling
  • Self-assessment of competency
• Apply learning directly to their daily work with children and colleagues

Upon successful completion, participants will:

• Receive the Mentor Teacher Credential through MiRegistry
• Be eligible for a $3,000 completion stipend

All training and coaching requirements must be completed by April 30, 2027 to be eligible for the stipend.

Candidates must meet one of the following pathways prior to participating:

1. Degree Path

• Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in ECE or related field

2. CDA/Alternative Path

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Plus 10 additional hours of MiRegistry-approved training in:
  • Program Management
  • Educator Well-Being

3. Training Path

• 90 clock hours of documented training in MiRegistry aligned to Competencies 1–3

Employment and training requirements will be verified through MiRegistry Learning Records.

The credential is built across four key competency areas:

Competency 1: Teaching and Learning with Children (Completed before entering Mentor Teacher Credential program)
Focuses on child development, intentional teaching, assessment, and supporting children’s health and well-being.

Competency 2: Partnerships and Program Leadership (Completed before entering Mentor Teacher Credential program)
Focuses on collaboration with families, colleagues, and systems to support high-quality programs.

Competency 3: Professional Growth and Well-Being (Completed before entering Mentor Teacher Credential program)
Centers on reflection, ethics, advocacy, and supporting educator well-being.

Competency 4: Mentoring Essentials (Completed during Mentor Teacher Credential program)
Focuses on coaching, communication, adult learning, and problem-solving grounded in the “why” behind best practices.

The Mentor Teacher Credential is designed to support working educators through a flexible and supportive learning experience.

Step 1: Apply and Join a Cohort

Eligible educators submit an application and are placed into a program cohort.

Step 2: Attend Virtual Orientation

Participants learn about program expectations, timelines, portfolio requirements, and available supports.

Step 3: Complete Self-Paced Learning Modules

Participants complete online training in the Michigan AEYC Knowledge Center focused on mentorship, coaching, and leadership.

Step 4: Meet with a Coach

Three virtual coaching sessions help participants set goals, reflect on progress, and prepare their credential portfolio.

Step 5: Submit a Portfolio

Participants demonstrate their learning through a portfolio that includes guided reflections, knowledge checks, and mentoring competency self-assessments.

Step 6: Earn the Credential

After successful completion, the credential is awarded through MiRegistry and participants receive a $3,000 completion stipend. 

Participants will complete the program over approximately 6 months, following a structured sequence of training, coaching, and reflection.

Pilot Cohorts:

• September 2026 - March 2027 (August orientation required)
• October 2026 - April 2027 (September orientation required)
• November 2026 - May 2027 (October orientation required)

Participants must:

• Be employed in a licensed early childhood setting, or support its staff
• Be in a role where they guide—or could guide—another educator
• Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in an ECE setting within the last 10 years 
• Have completed one of the pre-credential paths
  • Degree Path: Associate, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in ECE or related field
  • CDA/Alternative Path: CDA Credential plus additional hours of MiRegistry-approved training in:
    • MiPSC Standard 8: Leading High Quality Early Childhood Programs (10 hours required)
    • MiPSC Standard 9: Promoting the Well-Being of Early Childhood Educators (10 hours required)
  • Training Path: 90 clock hours of documented training in MiRegistry aligned to competencies 1-3.

Employment, education, and training requirements will be verified through MiRegistry Learning Records. 

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey?

Submit your interest using the button below to be considered for this pilot opportunity.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact: training@miaeyc.org.