New resource book equips early childhood educators to understand gender development, work with families, and create supportive environments where all children can flourish.
Guidance for Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Education offers research-based information to support educators’ understanding of the many facets of gender diversity in young children. The authors, Jenny Fererro and Rebecca Bishop, answer common questions and explain developmentally appropriate classroom practices to help early childhood educators understand how to create safe spaces for learning.
“The reality is that gender is a deeply individual thing, and denying children the ability to explore what it means for them can have an impact on their self-esteem and sense of worth,” explains Bishop, a mother of a transgender child. After working in the education field and as a behavioral specialist for children with autism spectrum disorder, Bishop has become an advocate for trans and nonbinary youth. “It became a big part of my goal as a parent and educator to advocate for all children to have the opportunity to be heard,” says Bishop.
Packed full of quotes from real-life teachers, administrators, experts, and parents, the book explores the topic of gender identity from many angles. Added quotes from gender-diverse children and teens help readers gain a deeper understanding of how children recognize and express gender.
“I strongly believe in the importance of connection and community. Each student should have a sense of belonging and ownership in the classroom,” says K, an elementary school teacher who stresses the importance of classroom support for gender-diverse children. “I want my students to know that who they are matters. That their voice matters. And that they are a unique and special individual who is an essential member of our community.”
Guidance for Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Education (ISBN 978-0-87659-944-0; 172 pp.; PB and ebook; $44.95) by Jenny Fererro, MS and Rebecca Bishop will be available October 1, 2022, and is available for preorder now. Digital review copies may be requested through Edelweiss.
Related Book: Guidance for Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Education
Based on census and population data, it is likely that one or more gender-expansive or LGBTQIA+ child is enrolled in every early education program in the country. Guidance for Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Education is a starting point—a primer—for early educators who are interested...
Related Authors:
Topics:
