Creating Gender Inclusive Environments for Children
The role that early childhood educators have in making the environment one of inclusivity and diversity for transgender children can help with the psychological stresses that are attributed by family and society’s unacceptance of them. By offering a responsive and caring environment will show them that they are valued as a contributing member of society who can develop to their full potential, without the fear of feeling shamed by others.
"When inclusive education is fully embraced, we abandon the idea that children have to become “normal” in order to contribute to the world. We begin to look beyond typical ways of becoming valued members of the community, and in doing so, begin to realize the achievable goal of providing all children with an authentic sense of belonging"- Norman Kunc
"Teaching children to be knowledgeable about differences, supportive of others, and active in changing structures that are oppressive to various groups can all begin within inclusive classrooms. It is within a classroom that openly and directly addresses the interest, needs and possibilities of all its members that students may best experience democratic structures that empower and support all participants" (Sapon-shevin, 1992,p.21)
Final Thoughts
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By: Nadia Marrast (1036715), Sonya Kuper (1067899), and Thalia Rojas (1071376)