Description

In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of representing and including all families in the social and cultural community of early childhood programs. Focusing specifically on LGBTQ families, this workshop will help educators consider both deliberate and unintentional messages about belonging that are reflected in their classroom’s written material, environment, curriculum, and pedagogy. To create inclusive classrooms and schools, we will introduce concepts and language to for participants to use when talking with families and colleagues about different sexual and gender identities, discuss the legal structures that are involved in defining families, and help participants understand discrimination targeted at people who do not conform to our society’s gender or sexual norms. We will also identify curricular opportunities to teach about family diversity and develop strategies for teaching a more expansive understanding of family