“Gender Spectrum presented the information in a very age-appropriate way. The kids had a lot to say, and mostly talked about things within their own experience that aren't considered ‘typical' for their gender.”
Elementary school parent
Family Service Agencies
As with schools, many family service agencies unknowingly employ discriminatory practices based on personal biases or lack of understanding, rather than informed, evidence-based policies. We provide training to enable your agency to implement the best practices to facilitate positive change. We want to help you fulfill your mission in assisting families by guiding program administrators and staff through the often confusing territory of gender variance in a supportive, non-judgmental manner. Our outstanding trainers skillfully work with diverse groups of people and adapt to the varying levels of understanding that may be present within your staff.
Child Welfare Programs*
We provide training to help providers and administrators in child welfare and juvenile justice systems address the needs of gender non-conforming and transgender children and adolescents.
This training provides:
- A basic understanding of gender identity development
- Adopting and implementing appropriate policies to ensure equitable care for gender variant young people.
- Guidance in incorporating professional standards in care
- Helping adolescents within the family context
- Addressing gender issues in housing and foster home placements
- Supporting caregivers of out-of-home youth
* Our training is in alignment with the Child Welfare League of America's (CWLA) Best Practice Guidelines on Serving LGBT Youth in Out-of Home Care.
Early Childhood Programs
We work with early childhood educators at the city and county levels, as well as program supervisors for county and state. Gender identity and gender expression trainings assist you with navigating specific situations that can arise in group care settings. We address the challenges encountered by educators and staff members while working with families to accept and embrace gender diversity. Educators will be provided with concrete examples and responses to concerns expressed by teachers and parents alike.
Public Health Programs
Our training is designed to promote a basic understanding of gender identity development in children and adolescents. Backed by statistical data, we outline the effects of family acceptance or rejection on a child's physical and mental health outcomes. Participants will learn how to engage and support a family in their community with a gender variant child. Our trainings provide tools to determine family strengths, as well as to identify behaviors that promote risk in the gender non-conforming child. Particular attention is given to the specific needs of ethnic and cultural communities.