Discusses mentoring as a professional development strategy to meet the needs of experienced and novice practitioners. Defines mentoring and differentiates it from supervision. Discusses the following aspects of early childhood mentoring programs: (1) goals and assumptions; (2) design and structure, including mentor qualifications and training; (3) compensation, including funding; (4) theoretical underpinnings; (5) demonstrated effectiveness; and (6) future directions. (KDFB)