The early childhood learning environment provides the opportunity for children to explore the world through play based learning. The learning environment should represent the diverse group of families around the world. The learning environment should include diverse diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, social class, culture, etc.
If a parent/family member informed me that they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, or interacting with their child, I would explain the educator has completed the appropriate requirements for becoming a qualified educator for their child and is more than capable of educating their child regardless of their sexual orientation. I would explain that it is not fair to judge an individual on their job performance based on their sexual orientation or outward appearance. I have personally worked with educators who are homosexual or transgender, and they have gone above and beyond in order to ensure that the children within their classroom have a solid foundation in early learning skills. These educators have been active participants in professional development as well as led professional developments in order to effectively train other educators.
If an individual believes that early childhood learning centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals, I would explain the significance of including all the diverse families in the classroom. There are a variety family structures within an early childhood learning centers which they may be unaware of. The family structures could include parent(s) and/or guardians with the same sex or opposite sex. Although the family structures are different, the families are more than capable of providing a strong educational foundation filled with unconditional love. Children deserve to have their diverse families represented regardless of the family structure. There should be a variety of books in the classroom which represent the diversity of the world.
As an educator, you touch lives of children forever. Your ability to teach children should not be limited based on your sexual orientation or outward experience.
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