My response that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books that contain gay, lesbian or same sex families, every child should be accessible to all books, regardless of who is in the books, every early childhood classroom should be diversified and this will help each child to developed a positive identity of not only themselves, but those around them. Each child must be given the opportunity to learn about all people, as early childhood professionals, we know that we are their first experience to the outside world, so I do not see what books about gays, lesbians or same sex families, should not be included.
If I was told that a parent/family member did not want their child to be cared for, educated by or interacted with: I would be apalled, just because a person is homosexual or transgender does not mean that they are not capable of caring for young children. Once again, the early childhood field must have diversity not only from sex, race or gender. Children will benefit from all people, it should not matter who the person is, that is taking care of the children. My concern is what they do in the classroom with the child and that they have the best interest for the young child at heart.
Hi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I feel that young children need to learn about people regardless of their sexual preference. I feel that if education is more diversified then there will be less teasing, bullying, prejudice and bigotry. I feel one of requirement when someone wants to go into teaching is that they must love children and believe in education.
I have only seen one childrens book that addresses same gender parents. I would like to see more introduced into the classroom so that children will not be shocked by the thought of a family that is so diffferent than their own. This is how we teach our children that being different only enriches our lives and is not something to make fun of.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Lori, chidlren need to be exposed to all types of people, this will give them the opportunity to value and learn from others. It will also give the children the message that differences are okay and we can all live together in harmony and respect.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori! -- I agree as ECE professionals we must be respectful to peoples opinion and suggestions but we know how important it is for children to understand that there are a diverse group of people in the world. I think exposing them to the various cultures, race, sexualities etc provides for a great learning experience for all children.
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteAs someone studying and working in the early childhood field, I agree with your statements in your blog. However, I can also see where programs may struggle with the questions addressed this week. After all, most early childhood programs are businesses and are dependent on patrons. If it becomes too challenging to defend a certain lifestyle, the program might shy away from this type of conclusion. It is a sad part of our society.