There are many different types of families that exist in the world that we live in today. Many individuals have existing biases that enable them to be accepting of the changes that have transpired and the changes that lie ahead.
Those individuals that believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families need to be educated. At my facility we do have an inclusion policy that is stated in our parent handbook. I would also tell those individuals that are a program that incorporates all types of family cultures and beliefs. We serve ALL families and do not discriminate against anyone for any reason. Literacy is an intricate part of our program and we provide books that revolve around various cultures, foods, race, and gender. There are actually pictures in my current location that I purchased through Lakeshore that includes a family consisting of two mommies.
I have had a parent to voice her opinion in reference to a lesbian teacher that she did not want her children to interact with. I told the parent that I respected her preference, but this caregiver was excellent and provided our children with exceptional care. I told her that if her children were going to be enrolled in our program that this particular teacher would be their caregiver and she had an option of whether she wanted to stay enrolled or not. I personally do not desire to have those types of parents in my school. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to be the best that they can be.
