The Portage Mentor Program is a research-based, nationally recognized early childhood curriculum developed to evaluate and assist child care providers to help children attain the social, emotional and cognitive learning that will best prepare them for success when they enter school. Since the program’s inception 65 family providers have successfully completed the program.

Retention rates are higher if providers go through the initial training

• Providers who did not receive formal training in the program had a 25% drop off last year, while Fairfax Futures retained nearly 90% of its providers in the program.
• 15 new providers and 8 from last year are continued to receive technical assistance on an ongoing basis.
• Of the 17 new providers who went through the initial training, only one has left the program. In general, 50% turnover occurs from year to year in family childcare nationally.
• Primary cause for providers dropping out of the program was the economic recession.

Above and beyond the Curriculum

• The Portage Curriculum is given to family providers who participate in the program as an investment in long-term sustainability for the program. Removing this financial burden is key to focusing on the child’s developmental success for the provider.
• Our mentor has created a professional online network for participants through Linked-In. and over the course of the last year participation is at nearly 100% for providers who have consistent access online.
• All communications are translated in Spanish, as 80% of the providers in this program are of Hispanic decent. 
• All current active members of the Portage program attend the School Readiness Symposium which provides additional training at no additional cost to the provider.
• Family providers engaged in Portage participate in the School Readiness Transition Teams throughout Fairfax County.