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.
When
it comes to the topic of inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian
individuals such as same-sex partnered families, I am torn about the subject.
The parent side of me would like to talk to my own child about gay or lesbian
individuals. I do not believe that it is up to the school to teach my child
about this topic. I believe that learn starts at home and we should not depend
on teachers to teach our child everything. Gay or lesbian individuals can be a
touchy topic that most people are not ready to introduce to their child yet.
Being a professional I know that there are children whom have same sex parents
and other children observe that and ask questions. By having books to help the
teaches assist with the subject can be very influential.
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.
If
a parent/family member informed me 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 explain to them that that teachers
personal life has nothing to do with them as a professional. I give them facts
about how good of a teacher the individual is and how our program has a nondiscrimination
policy. I would give the parent the option to change their child’s room but
that would be all that I can offer.
