History of the Program

The North Carolina Early Intervention Mentor Program began as a result of three successful pilot projects initiated to address the shortage of specialized services available in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. The number of therapists, especially those with pediatric experience in the birth to five year age group was inadequate to meet the needs of families across North Carolina.

The first Mentor project was conducted in the Charlotte area in 1995 to foster professional development for physical, occupational, and speech-language pathologists. In 1997, the NC Interagency Coordinating Council provided additional funding for two more projects to be held in eastern North Carolina and in the Triangle. The goals of the projects were to increase networking opportunities, reduce the sense of isolation, expand pediatric knowledge, and offer validation and support to therapists in early intervention. In response to the success of the pilot projects, in 1998 the Family Support Network of North Carolina (FSN-NC), in collaboration with the Division of Early Intervention and Education and the North Carolina Interagency Council, implemented the North Carolina Early Intervention Mentor Program.

As a statewide program, the target population of mentors and mentees expanded to comprise all professionals in early intervention including therapists, special educators, case coordinators, and early childhood intervention directors. A component of the program is a database of early intervention professionals and parents who can serve as mentors to professionals serving young children across the state of North Carolina.

In 2007 the target population of mentors and mentees changed to focus on sevice providers in the Children's Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs).

We believe that the essential underpinning of a mentorship is a relationship. Our program is designed to provide a formal structure to a relationship that provides educational enhancement that is flexible and personal to each pair. Our purpose in facilitating a mentoring relationship is to provide opportunities for professional development in a one-on-one setting that meets the unique needs of the mentee.

We believe empowering individuals through mentorship with collegial support, reflection, and collaboration directly influences their interactions with families, understanding and integration of best practice in the field, and satisfaction with their job performance. In essence, mentorship provides the one-on-one guidance necessary to provide highest quality services to families in North Carolina.

This program is funded and supported by the Infant-Toddler Program, Early Intervention Branch, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services.