Early childhood educators working with children who have lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents: What does the literature tell us?

Early childhood (EC) educators are expected to cater for all types of families from diverse backgrounds. Research involving EC educators and the spaces they create indicate the dominance of heteronormative practices. This silences programmes, policies, experiences and interactions that could reflect and support children with parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered. It is therefore important to consider ways of disrupting this dominance to ensure equity and respect for all children and families. By analysing relevant literature published between 2000 and 2012 we have identified strengths and weakness of existing studies with a view to informing future practice, policy and research in EC education.