Supporting Gender Diversity in Early Childhood Settings
Jun 11, 2024 1:00PM—4:00PM
Location
Virtual
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until May 21) $300 members; $250 group-rate 3+; $500 non-members
Categories Equity & Inclusion, Online, School Leaders, Social & Emotional Learning, Staff, Summer Institute, Teachers
ABOUT THIS VIRTUAL SUMMER INSTITUTE
Discussions of gender, gender identity, and gender diversity are happening everywhere in our society. While the visibility and acceptance of gender diversity and transgender is increasing, there is still much confusion and misinformation. Basic understanding of our identities and gender forms as early as infancy and early childhood, yet there has been little focus in early childhood education on the importance of supporting gender diversity in our classrooms. There is a growing body of evidence that transgender and gender-diverse people are most successful when they have the support, love, and acceptance of their parents and families and when they feel supported, accepted, and respected at school and in their communities.
In this workshop, participants will gather the understanding and tools needed to support gender diversity in early childhood settings. Janna Barkin will provide information about gender and gender identity, classroom best practices, resources, and insightful takeaways for educators who want to create a more inclusive and just world for children and all of us.
Participants will:
- Learn why it is crucial to support gender diversity in early childhood settings and how doing so supports the mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being of young children
- Practice inclusive language for use in the classroom and when talking to families, friends, and colleagues about gender identity and gender diversity
- Develop strategies to create inclusive classrooms and curricula
- Explore strategies for support and gather resources for parents who think their child may be transgender, or who have questions about their child’s gender identity or gender expression
Do you work at an independent school outside of California? Click here for a discount on our non-member registration!
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Janna Barkin is an author, educator, and parent of a transgender person. Janna combines her many years of experience as a preschool educator/director and her expertise as a workshop presenter, speaker, group facilitator, and parent coach to bring educational and inspirational learning opportunities to educators, administrators, parents, caregivers, and community members. Since 2015, Janna has led a support group for parents and caregivers and another for grandparents of transgender and gender-expansive and questioning youth. She has been a featured speaker and workshop facilitator at California Council of Cooperative Preschools Conferences, Gender Spectrum Conferences, the Philadelphia TransWellness Conference, at Fortune 500 corporations including The Gap and Microsoft, and at schools, bookstores, libraries, and other community gatherings.
Janna’s new book, A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024), is sure to be a moving and helpful resource. It includes personal stories and observations from the perspectives of the author, grandparents of transgender grandchildren, and transgender people themselves. Janna’s first book, He’s Always Been My Son: A Mother’s Story About Raising Her Transgender Son (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2017), is an inspiring and moving story told from the heart of an extraordinary family. This book recounts the emotional and uplifting journey of raising a transgender child. To learn more about Janna and the work she does, visit her website.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.