Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

My entire career has been in the military realm of child care. In the military community, there is lots of acceptable cultures and beliefs, however it was not until the past five years that there has been a shift in the acceptance of those who are homosexual or transgender. With this shift of “don’t ask don’t tell” to the shift of acceptance there has been many different views and beliefs that have been both accepting as well as controversial. Working with the adults to create the shift within the programs has been a difficult task, yet it is slowly coming along in a more positive light.

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?

I have always believed to be who you are no matter what you believe allow others to be who they wish to be. With that being said I believe that books as well as other items such as toys or photos should be a part of the inclusion process in our centers. I do believe it should not be forced, but as children enter the program with the differences or begin to recognize them it should be addressed in a manner that is appropriate for the age and children. I believe as any other difference culturally or physically a child brings to the center is should be embraced and delivered in a way that the children are able to learn and build their own beliefs on the topic.

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?

As I spoke above about the shift within the military I have handled this as I do any other concern a parent or guardian has about those who are staffed in the program. I ensure them that those who are employed within are vetted in a way that they are here because they want your child to grow and succeed developing into the best person they are able to be. Learning from people who are possibly different is important for children to naturally learn about others and how they live. At no time would a staff member force their beliefs on a child, yet should a child ask questions the educator is to use tact and facts while answering keeping in mind to remain professional and unbiased.

With the ever-changing society, we live in being prepared for the children and their families to be from any and all types of families is important. Creating inclusion and acceptance of those who are different is important to show those children they are valued and accepted for who they are and who they want to be.

Final Thoughts

Hello everyone, I would like to take a moment to say yet again thank you for your support through this course. We have come a long way so far on this journey and the continued support, stories and assistance with coming to the common goal of our master’s degree is within reach. I look forward to continuing this journey with each and every one of you. I hope only the best for each of you as we are not just classmates, but intricate pieces to an important part of many children’s lives. Thank you again for all your support.

Best Regards,

Stephanie

The Hurt of GoodBye

Goodbyes are something I am far to use to being a military spouse it is a constant struggle learning to say the “see you later” to people who have at times become family. At Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho leaving the team there was one of the hardest “see you later” I had done.

When I began I was informed I was coming in at a difficult highly translational time due to the leaving of a volatile director and recent incoming of the director whom I transferred in with. The beginning was tough the distrust and poor communication was rapid throughout the program, however with time the new director through positive communication and making it through the storm of team building began to create an environment of trust and personal as well as professional growth (Abudi, G., 2010).  

She established what was expected from all and the open-door policy that could be closed if it was a more private mater to be discussed. Fairness and the ability to rally us together for the greatness and growth of the children was what really began to shine throughout the program and the forming stage took hold once the trust was obtained by the staff (Abudi, G., 2010). She was also a leader she was passionate about early learning and created the highest quality, most welcoming environment possible for all involved. Her vision was clear and through her leadership, action and delegation allowing for others to feel valued throughout the program we all began to thrive and come together to create the environment the children deserved (Laureate Education (Producer), 2011). 

The goodbye potluck was the tradition as a teacher or support member left the program. The favorite foods and of course the “you have to bring that because it’s amazing” were brought to the training room and shared. Plaques, cards and tokens of appreciation were given to the member of the family soon to part and start anew.

Through this master’s program I have learned so much from all of my colleagues. I have learned about programs such as head start and others that everyone has shared. Being able to see what is valued and what the issues are throughout has been valuable with my daily work. I hope to remain in touch with as many as possible to continue to share thoughts, ideas and success as we continue to grow in our early learning career. The discussion boards have been a large wealth of knowledge learning from others and what everyone has to share.

Reference

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Team building strategies [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Communicating Through Conflict Effectivly

Thinking about the issue in my professional life with teaching others to manage time and complete paperwork in a timely manor has been an ongoing issue. Being able to utilize the Thirdside is important to be able to learn from those around me what they may need to be able to make the deadlines. Knowing the importance of being able to put yourself into someone else’s scenario is important to be able to learn about what more might be necessary to complete the task at hand. Overcoming the controversy is important to be able to resolve conflict and communicate effectively.

Personally, I reflect upon the NVC to use with my children modeling a proper way to overcome conflict through effectively communicating with one another. Learning to observe others as we communicate with one another allows for us to learn through communication cues about the message to be sent. Modeling respect and patience is important to me to teach my children how to treat others, however being able to also resolve conflict with my children using NVC is also important to be able to treat them as the young ladies and growing toddler they are becoming.

Utilizing the different skills presented this week I will better be able to keep my respect levels to a higher regard as I work through conflict with others. Learning to look through the eyes of others as the conflict is worked to be resolved is also of high importance to ensure the importance of the other side.

Reference

The Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). The center for nonviolent communication. Retrieved from http://www.cnvc.org/

The Third Side. (n.d.). The third side. Retrieved from http://thirdside.williamury.com/