Rainbow Families: Visibility in the Early Years - Session Slideshow

Facilitated By: Shel Secrett, RECE
Presented On: March 23, 2023

As Early Childhood Educators, early learning professionals and caregivers, we value providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children. However, even the most well-intentioned educator might struggle with how to approach 2SLGBTQAI+ families and topics in the classroom.

This dynamic and interactive workshop is designed to build the confidence and comfort level of educators seeking to create a more inclusive classroom. We will cover topics such as our early beliefs and how they impact us, appropriate and current terminology and how to creatively use family diversity resources to plant seeds of acceptance.

Facilitator Bio

Shel Secrett is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care in Waterloo, ON. Shel is very involved in Waterloo Region's vibrant 2SLGBTQAI+ community by hosting fundraisers, raising awareness and empowering people to be who they are. As an RECE, Shel believes that all children need to see a reflection of themselves and their families in early childhood programs and that one small action towards accepting and celebrating our differences leads to another.

She has taught in the ECE program at Conestoga College and also has been a pedagogical consultant at the Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre in Kitchener. Shel presents her dynamic workshops at professional development events and conferences throughout Ontario and Manitoba on the topics of Rainbow Families, Mandalas for Children, Self-Care for Educators, 2SLGBTQAI+ History, and Gender Splendour - Supporting Gender Creative Children.