ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), an accredited, online training institution dedicated exclusively to the early care and education workforce, is proud to announce the addition of SOC103: Gender Bias and Stereotypes to the child care training online course catalog.

Gender bias and stereotyping are among the primary forms of discrimination reinforced during early childhood. Harmful, yet often unintentional, forms of bias and generalization are transmitted by adults and the media, and can be recognized by children as early as preschool. As a result, children often perceive abilities and hobbies to be gender-specific when in fact they are not.

This course explores how and why gender identity develops and the ways in which gender stereotyping can impact a child’s psychological and social development. Participants will identify the means by which children develop gender identity and the relevance of brain development in relation to gender stereotypes. They will also learn recommended strategies for promoting gender equality and equal opportunity in the classroom, along with strategies for sharing information about gender stereotypes with families. SOC103 is a one-hour, intermediate level course available for purchase through online training enrollment or at no additional cost to current individual or center-based subscription account holders.

“CCEI promotes equal opportunity in all areas. It’s important to teach children not to form or promote stereotypes, as well as to believe their own interests and capabilities should not be limited or unacceptable due to bias,” says Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO of CCEI.