My response to those who believe that early childhood centers
should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such
as same-sex partnered families would be based on the fact that fewer and fewer
children are growing up in two-parent, heterosexual, nuclear families. Lesbian
and gay families are one of the many diverse family types that exist (Safezone, 2011).
All children need to feel that their
families are acceptable to their teachers.
That means that they must not get the impression that their family is
not normal. Also they need to see their
families reflected in materials throughout the program, and they need to be
able to talk about their families and hear about families like theirs. Even if there are no children of gay or
lesbian individuals in the early childhood center, it
is still important to acknowledge the existence of families with gay and
lesbian parents, so that children are prepared to be respectful when they do
meet people who are lesbian or gay (Week 3 Course Media).
My response to a parent/family
member who informed me they did not want anyone who is perceived (or
self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or
interacting with their child would be to first point out that sexual
orientation does not affect someone’s job qualifications and that people should
not be solely defined by their sexual orientation, but by their professional
capabilities. I would engage the parent/family member in conversation to find
out what factors precipitated that family member’s prejudiced stance. I would listen carefully with an open
heart. I would explain to the
parent/family member why I think it is so vital to children’s healthy
development and future life success to develop comfortable and respectful
interactions with all kinds of people (Derman-Sparks & Edwards,
2010).
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Web
Article: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual frequently asked questions. (2011). Safezone.
Retrieved from http://safezone.fsu.edu/guide/lgb-faq.pdf
Week 3 Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation" (Approx. length: 6 minutes)
