If childhood centers think that it is appropriate to exclude literature depicting gay or lesbian individuals they are doing themselves a disservice. There are a growing number of same sex parents in society that are raising children that are being bullied because of their family situation. This does not have to be strengthened by the lack of exposure that they received at a young age by their childcare facility. A childcare facility should be open minded and welcoming diversity to other children, so that they are aware of differences around them.
If a parent came to me and told me that they did not want their child to be cared for or around an individual of a different sexual preference I would say "what they do on their own time is not my concern, but the way that they educate children is my concern. If they are regarded as high individuals in their field, I see that there is no reason for your child not to get the best education. Can we discuss and further develop a rational protocol about your child's educational journey?"
I think that it is important that parents do not forget that their children's education and exposure to culture is wrapped around the concept of diversity. Diversity has a broad definition, and it is not limited to one specific thing.
When children are young, their minds are like sponges, and they have a eagerness to soak up all that knowledge. In wanting to be a professional educator it is important that we discuss those important aspects of diversity, so that they are aware of the difference out in the world. In acknowledging those differences, it allows children to be comfortable in exploring their own individuality.
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