VEYLDF Alignment
Item uses these practice principles: Reflective practice, Partnerships with families, Equity and diversity, Integrated teaching and learning approaches.
Item responds to these sub-outcomes: Not applicable.
Description
Working with LGBTIQA+ Families supports early childhood teaching teams to work respectfully, ethically and effectively with families with gender and sexually diverse parents through professional networks facilitated by registered teachers who are members of the Victorian LGBTIQA+ community, and by providing a tailored professional resource toolkit.
This program aims to build the level of inclusion offered by kindergarten programs and become more welcoming and inclusive of LGBTIQA+ families and their children. It offers curated content to support educational teams to grow their knowledge and understanding of contemporary LGBTIQA+ identity and culture, as well as opportunities to network with LGBTIQA+ teachers who can support them to understand family diversity and answer any questions they have about culture, identity and expression.
Detailed Costs
Toolkit and two 75-minute online network opportunities: $600 (excl. GST)
Implementation Considerations
Target population: educational teams (teachers and educators).
Program/practice descriptions and details: included in the program are two network sessions that provide opportunities for educators and teachers to come together, with facilitation by registered teachers who are members of the LGBTIQA+ community to share concerns, questions and ideas about how to provide inclusive programs, environments and relationships. It also provides information for teaching teams to better understand sexual and gender diversity, strategies to engage in conversations with families about their preferences for celebrations, respectful language and team reflection ideas so that all children and families can be included and feel safe at kinder.
Program adaptability: the program is offered online and can be assessed across Victoria.
Staffing: backfill is required so that one or a number of representatives from the educational program will be required to participate in two 75-minute online network sessions. It is also recommended that backfill is provided for the team to undertake the reflective experiences together as a team, and decide on ways that they will increase inclusion of gender and sexually diverse families in their service.
Tools and systems: the network sessions are delivered online so services need to have access to an internet enabled device.
Priority Area
Access and inclusion
Strength of Evidence
Level 5 - Foundational research evidence