Browsing by Subject "model of comprehensive sexuality education"

The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of early childhood educators on how sex education is implemented into early childhood education and understand how early childhood educators experience their role as sexuality educators. The aim is to create an awareness of the importance of sex education as part of the child´s overall growth and development. The importance of sex education to the well-being of the individual is highlighted by emphasizing its central role on the development of one´s healthy self-identity and positive self-image. This thesis aims to fill the research gap of the sex education among early childhood educator, and to enhance knowledge on the development of children's sexuality and how to nurture it. The diversification of our societies in recent times also creates new needs that need to be considered in the field of early childhood education. Earlier research (Väestöliitto 2013-2014) showed that the level of sexual education in early childhood education was varied, and that the educators had a great need for support and current knowledge. The theoretical framework of this thesis is based on a model of comprehensive sexuality education development on the basis of WHO recommendations. (Väestöliitto 2017 a.) method. The material of the study was collected by interviewing early childhood educators at a Helsinki day care center and its director. The data collection method used was a theme interview. The interviews were tested by means of pilot interviews. The method of analysis of the material was qualitative content analysis. result and conclusions. The result of the research showed that children expressed their sexuality at day care centers in many ways, and that teachers tend to respond to this in a sensitive way, showing their appreciation for the child. A significant amount of sex education took place, but it was not always conscious and only seldom systematic. The level of sex education was variable, as the early childhood educators did not have enough current information nor the necessary support for the implementation of sex education. The teachers experienced sex education as a natural part of their work. On the other hand, there were also respondents who responded negatively to sexual education. Partnerships in sex education were poorly implemented due to conflicting opinions between parents and kindergarden teachers.