Equipping early childhood educators to support the development of sexuality in childhood: Identification of pre- and post-service training needs

Abstract

Pre- and post-service sexuality training for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) is lacking in Canadian and international contexts. The objective of this study was to assess pre- and post-service sexuality education instruction and training needs among an ECE population in Ontario, Canada. Sixty-four participants completed an online survey, which included both closed- and open-ended questions. The survey assessed ECEs': a) perceptions of the quality of addressing sexuality and gender in early learning centres; b) current level of preparation in addressing the development of sexuality; and, c) sexuality training needs. Collectively, participants identified a variety of approaches to sexuality, spoke to themes of inadequate climates to address sexuality education, and the relational characteristics ECEs felt were beneficial for addressing sexuality and gender. Participants (65.6%) recognized the everyday opportunities in which they could engage in discourses of sexuality. Nevertheless, a lack of training to address these domains was notable, with 53.2% reporting inadequate preparation in their current role as an ECE. Findings are discussed in response to a paucity of curriculum documents, which hinders professionals' ability to adopt an emergent approach to address sexuality and gender.