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:
- What ways can early childhood educators approach implementing same sex families in early childcare programs?
- 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.
I agree that same gender families are more common and remain uncomfortable to many educators. Students learn from us as teachers, not only through what we say but how we react. This is an important topic in today's society and we need to teach students how to be unbiased and understanding of various differences. Also, I appreciate your honesty about how you don't push your religion aside but your focus is on supporting open-minded early childhood education teachers. I am excited to learn more about your challenge, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan for choosing this topic. I found an interesting document from Canada on early childhood education and discussing sexual differences. Here is the link: http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/atkinson/UserFiles/File/Resources_Topics/Resources_Topics_Diversity/BuildingBridges.pdf
ReplyDeleteThank you! I look forward to learning more. Thanks, Cissy
Thank you so much for the information. I am going to look into it.
DeleteI love your topic and think it's a hard topic to talk about. Also I hope to learn more on how to help families that are different from my own family.
ReplyDeleteAvis,
DeleteIt is a hard topic to talk about but as educators it is right in our faces and regardless of what society says or what we believe, we have to look at it straight in the eyes and face it. "The children comes first"
Thank you Susan for working and researching on this topic. I think it is important to learn about and teach both adult and young learners about same-sex parents. Some same-sex parents are married and some are not. We, as professional educators have to be open-minded and respect the family love dynamics that makes up the same-sex parent. I have a few close friends that are same-sex parents and have adopted a child whose both parents died from drug-overdose. Now the child has a loving and stable home. With the love and support that the child will be receiving from his same-sex parents will succeed in life with education, career, and social and emotional. My same-sex parents are professional educators. Thank you Susan for sharing. I like this topic in how I can personally relate to with my close friends. Great topic.
ReplyDeleteVianey,
DeleteI am excited to learn more for myself and for the student I teach. Our major focus is on children's growth and development, therefore we do have to learn to look beyond the norm.
Susan this is a great topic!
ReplyDeleteChildren don't choose their parents. Regardless to their family dynamics they should be treated with love and respect.
In response to your questions;
1.What ways can early childhood educators approach implementing same sex families in early childcare programs?
I think it is important to approach families within your classroom or school with the same respect, regardless of their dynamics. There are children who may not have fathers, and celebrating fathers day could be hurtful. So know your children and their families will help to determine how to approach them.
2.How do you feel about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender early childhood educators teaching young children
I believe all educators of children should genuinely care about children and provide the best possible education. This means preparation professionally and personally.
K.
DeleteThe words love and respect are so simple, but yet we cloud our purpose here as human beings with the position as educators with everything outside of what we are here to do. We have to find the core to our purpose and that is to show LOVE & RESPECT to all children.
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