Your 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.
I think that in order for children to really understand and accept other children and grow up to be anti-biased individuals they need to be taught about all the different 'ism's' and biases. I know if explained properly and discussed appropriately that the inclusion of books depicting gay/lesbian individuals would be beneficial for children. They will come into contact with a child or family that is of same-sex partners and need to be accepting of them and understand that it is not wrong. There is no 'right' family type. Different discussions and activities are needed to find out children's biases and teach them appropriately. 'Children establish their own identity through comparing themselves with other children' (Brooker, L., & Woodhead, M., 2008)
How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you 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.
I would inform the individual that the school is an equal opportunity business, as all schools are and that while I can understand their concern, it is not possible to complete their request. I would inform them of the benefits of their child being exposed to that teacher and other individuals from similar backgrounds. The teacher is just as capable and experienced as all the others. 'As children move into group care and education, further sensitive support is needed to enable them to forge new
identities which do not conflict with the family and cultural identity they have acquired at home' (Brooker, L., & Woodhead, M., 2008). I would need to educate the family about sexual orientation and how it does not affect teaching or interactions with children.
identities which do not conflict with the family and cultural identity they have acquired at home' (Brooker, L., & Woodhead, M., 2008). I would need to educate the family about sexual orientation and how it does not affect teaching or interactions with children.
Thanks Rica for sharing your thoughts. I agree that knowledge about the different type of "isms" is key in making people aware of the different biases they may be experiencing or citing. It was not until I read the articles and studied more about them that I felt it necessary to share with family, friends, and colleagues what some may not have been conscious of exploiting. We definitely must advocate for being proactive in accepting all for who they are.
ReplyDeleteRica,
DeleteI agree with you that schools are an equal opportunity place for all children to learn and understand the world around them. I think a request from a parent to have certain people around their child is not really something that we can do for them, being in a public setting everyone has the right to live, I think the only thing we can do is reassure parents that we aren't forcing beliefs, life styles or values onto their children, but only allowing them to learn about the world around them
Rica, I agree with your response of schools being "equal opportunity." It is important that parents are aware of the benefits of having their children attend a school that is diverse. Without exposure to this diversity, children will grow up in a household/community of individuals who are all the same - this will undoubtedly lead to a decrease in chance that this particular child will grow up to be accepting of others.
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