"The open respectful conversation regarding some of the 'hot' topics in the field was greatly appreciated. It feels great that we can talk about it and receive positive, concrete feedback. Thank you!"
This is just one of the comments on an introductory workshop on gender, sexuality and the family offered at our full-day conference earlier this month. Now we're pleased to announce a series of three late-afternoon sessions expanding on this much-needed topic.
The Long Island Pre-K Initiative, in collaboration with the CUNY New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, is offering workshops for educators designed to spark discussion, facilitate the creation
of shared language, and provide educators with the resources they need to make their classrooms safe spaces for the
development and expansive exploration of identity.
This three-part series addresses the following questions:
- When and how do children develop an understanding of gender?
- How can we encourage children's comfort and respect for their own bodies and other peoples' bodies?
- How can we include and celebrate the diversity of family structures in our programs?
Fee: $40 per session. You can register for any one or all of the workshops, but you must register for each one separately.
No food or drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages.
Presenter: Helen Frazier is the Director of Early Childhood at the City University of New York's Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. For the last 20 years, she has worked in early childhood education as an infant/toddler, preschool and Kindergarten teacher, professional development provider and coach.
Session 1: Gender Development, Expression and Play
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Western Suffolk BOCES Conference Center, Wyandanch
In this workshop, you will learn about and discuss gender development in young children. We'll also cover how gender stereotypes can limit children's growth, and how to create inclusive classrooms. Finally, we'll examine ways to limit the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and how to work with family members who may be struggling with
their children's non-conforming dress or behaviors.
Session 2: Bodies, Curiosity and Touching
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Western Suffolk BOCES Conference Center, Wyandanch
In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on and deconstruct their feelings about children's curiosity and sexual exploration. We will develop strategies for fostering children's feelings of comfort about their bodies while setting limits to help them develop boundaries. We will also discuss fears regarding child sexual abuse, and will learn to distinguish between signs of abuse and childhood exploration.
Session 3: Including All Families and Supporting All Children
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Western Suffolk BOCES Conference Center, Wyandanch
In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of supporting children by representing and including all families within your program. Focusing on LGBTQ families in particular, this workshop will help educators consider both deliberate and inadvertent messages about belonging contained in their program's written material, environment, teaching and/or educational practices. We'll also highlight opportunities to teach about family diversity.
