Healthy Sexuality Development

📖 The Scoop

Although families are children's primary teachers about sexuality development, early childhood teachers and administrators also support children's healthy sexuality development as they interact with children, work with families, and plan programs. This book provides key information to educators and families about what is typical in young children and how to support children. Following an introduction presenting basic concepts in healthy sexuality development and discussing families' and educators' roles, the book is organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 takes a holistic approach to defining healthy sexuality within the context of children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The chapter distinguishes staff education regarding healthy sexuality from information relating to child abuse; relates healthy sexuality to developmentally appropriate practices for children from infancy through primary level; and discusses the importance of incorporating values in practice. Chapters 2 through 4 contain the following information for infants and toddlers, for preschoolers, and for 6- to 8-year-olds: (1) developmental expectations related to healthy sexuality; (2) healthy sexuality in children with developmental disabilities; (3) guidelines for educators working with children in early childhood settings; and (4) adult behaviors and attitudes to avoid. Also included is information on gender differences in preschoolers' social play, differentiating typical sex play behaviors and those indicative of abuse, working with families regarding children's sexuality, addressing media influences on young children, and teaching respectful attitudes and behavior. Chapter 5 makes suggestions for professional development sessions to foster children's healthy sexuality development. Appended is a list of information resources for families, teachers, and administrators. (Contains 43 references.) (KB).

Genre: Health & Fitness / Sexuality (fancy, right?)