Early Childhood Education and Sexuality

The topic of sexuality is deeply personal and opinions are usually based on religion. Telling someone that their opinion of human sexuality is wrong, is wrong in itself. As an early childhood educator I believe it is my job to create an atmosphere of love and respect, without crossing into acceptance. Acceptance of homosexual behaviors cross into family choice. I do believe that early childhood centers should make each student feel welcome and make sure that they are validated as a person, no matter what type of family they come from. Inclusion of books or items depicting same-sex partners is not necessary. Students have access to both male and female dolls, can draw or color their family type, and can relay family stories during sharing time. This type of inclusion is the safest for all involved. We have made a point to include all family types, without bringing in the overt approval of same-sex relationships. Children like to explore and pretend. "Indoctrinating impressionable school children with pro-homosexual beliefs is an easier way of changing public attitudes than persuading adults," according to the Family Research Council.  " "Homophobia" is a term that stigmatizes those with traditional values by implying that they (not homosexuals) are the ones with a mental illness (even though recent research has concluded that "homophobia" in this clinical sense actually does not exist. [11])." A subject as touchy as sexuality is best left to parents and their personal choice on how they chose to raise their child. As an educator it is my job to protect each of my children and the beliefs that they are raised with, both homosexual and heterosexual beliefs need to be protected until the child is old enough to decide on their own.