Books

For those of you who do know, and for those that do not know, the two books I have written for children are at the publishers.  One is with the editor and will go next to the illustrator.  I am nervous and excited that this is a new journey in my life and one I feel God is calling me to follow.  I will let you know as soon as the first on is available, sometime after the first of the year.
All I can say right now is PRAISE GOD FOR HIS BLESSING AND PEACE as this process develops.

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

· 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

Why would you not include them in the classroom library!! Children need to know and be exposed the reality of life.  Two moms or two dads do not make for bad people, just a different idea of how they want to live their lives. Talking about the ways families are similar and ways they are different is important for children to experience.

· 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.

I would approach the issue with thoughts from the video, “Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation” says validation for all the kinds of families is important for children understand.  There is no evidence of LGBT personnel being child molesters.  Keeping children safe is primary.  “Actions rather than suspicions are what protect children”(Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p100). Sexual orientation has no place in making the decision for the appropriateness for hiring a teacher.  Pointing out to the parent/family member there are people of all orientation whether it be heterosexual, homosexual, people of color or ethnicity are caregivers/teachers for children.  In the end, it is the parents decision if they want their child to be in the center.  

References:

"Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation"(2009) Laureate Education, Inc.

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC