Derman-Sparks and Edwards (2010) assert that "children are influenced by others' attitudes about gender behavior"(p92). Family, friends and society are the biggest influences on children with regard to gender behavior (p92). Because of the powerful influence of these three factors, it is important that children are exposed to and become comfortable with diversity at a young age. I believe that gay and lesbian led families should be represented in the materials and books in early childhood classrooms.To avoid the inclusion of such materials would not only deprive children of the experience and knowledge built as a result of exposure to these populations., but also cause children who are a part of gay and lesbian led families to experience cultural discontinuity. Cultural discontinuity occurs when the values and practices present at home are different or in direct conflict with those values and practices present at the center or program (p 59).
If a parent or family member of a child insisted that they did not anyone who is gay or perceived to be gay to interact with or play with the child, I would assert that each staff member has undergone and passed background and reference checks prior to the beginning of their employment at the center. Additionally, I would let the parent of family member know that the center does not and never will discriminate against any person based upon race, creed, color, or sexual orientation. Homophobia is prejudice against a person based upon sexual orientation.
Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. NAEYC:Washington,DC.
If a parent or family member of a child insisted that they did not anyone who is gay or perceived to be gay to interact with or play with the child, I would assert that each staff member has undergone and passed background and reference checks prior to the beginning of their employment at the center. Additionally, I would let the parent of family member know that the center does not and never will discriminate against any person based upon race, creed, color, or sexual orientation. Homophobia is prejudice against a person based upon sexual orientation.
Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. NAEYC:Washington,DC.
Careyann,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I agree that homophobia is prejudice, just as racism, sexism, etc. I believe that part of what we learned from Tina's video this week is that many people have grown up believing that homosexuals are pedifyles. Clearly, this is a horrible misconception, but something that should stick in our minds when addressing parents about the issue at hand. They are trying to protect their children. I feel that we need to ask what their concerns ARE so that we are able to address them individually. In addition to explaining that all employees are highly qualified and have undergone background checks, etc., we need to ask the parents what their concerns are and show that we truly care how they feel. If they feel safe with us, we will be able to open their minds to make them feel safe with others whose lives may represent something outside of their comfort zone.
At a preschool I used to work for, the year before I arrived, one of the employees was caught looking at child pornography in his office. This man was consistently around young children and parents were terrified. It took two years to truly calm them and assure them that we would all be there to take care of their child and be sure that nothing happened to them. But, listening to how they felt and what their concerns are, are what helped us in a big way.
Great post!
Raina
Careyann,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that homophobia is a prejudice just like any other intolerance against a particular race or ethnic group. I also believe that education of homosexuality should start early so that children are not confused, when faced with adversity.
Great Post,
Kvonya
Careyann,
ReplyDeleteI have a cousin who is gay (female) she and her partner are great with children and I must say that every child that I have known just love them to death. They have such a positive influence on the children for some odd reason. Just this past school year, we had a child in the school whose mother was gay and of course everyone knew it, but the mother partner would always come to the school to pick the child up or participate in anything the school was having. It was as if she was the child's mother because the child really did love this woman. The affectionate she showed toward this lady she did not show toward her own mother. So I would have to agree with Kvonya that education of homosexuality should start early so that children will not be confused.
Great post!
Tracey
Hi Careyann,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post, we can not educate our children on what it means to have a blended family because there are so many forms of families, but all have the same goal, which is to provide love, care, and protection to their family. Children are only exposed to the negativity of life when they have been taught this most of the time by older adults in their home. We need to ensure our families that, "the problem is not that children are learning about sex when they are young. The problem is the particular lessons they are learning in today's environment" (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 96).