Same Sex Families in Early Childcare Education Programs

As I researched about different childcare facilities and why they were established, it was mainly for your typical families that consisted of a mother/female and father/male. Although the mention of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) families were not popular during the age of early childhood education facilities, those types of families are very evident today in childcare programs. The topic of LGBT families can be a sensitive issue to some educators and as an educator educating some adult teachers that are Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender, I have to be aware of any biases presented in my classroom and teach about anti-bias education. Although my religion is a strong since of who I am today and plays an important part in my life, I believe my role as an educator is to show love and respect to my students and their families. My religion is never pushed aside in order to please the masses, however my focus is to make sure early childhood education (ECE) teachers are open-minded to the changes in family structures, raise awareness, and be proactive in developing an inclusive classroom.
   
As educators, we have to understand that The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct (2012) explained that “above all, we shall not harm children”. Educators have to be careful not to harm children and families through personal assumptions or biases and institutionalized silence.The relationship children develop with their families provide them with self-awareness and acknowledgement of identity. Early childhood educators need to acknowledge and respect all family structures that are real in children’s world. By creating a welcoming environment for all families, children develop trust and belonging among their teachers and school environment.

QUESTIONS:

1. What ways can early childhood educators approach implementing same sex families in early childcare programs?
2. How do you feel about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender early childhood educators teaching young children?

  

References

Burt, T., Gelnaw, A., & Lesser, L. (2010). Creating welcoming and inclusive environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families in early childhood 

settings. Young Children, 65(1), 97–102. 

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.

Feeney, S., Freeman, N., & Pizzolongo, J. P. (2012). Ethics and the early childhood educator. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.