Within the framework of the General Collaboration Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of LGBTQIA+ People and the Community in the City of Bologna 2022–2026, the Centre is offering, for the 2023/2024 academic year, three training courses aimed at staff of the Integrated Education and Training System for early childhood services (ages 0–6) in Bologna (educators working with children aged 0–3, teaching and educational staff in preschools, support staff in 0–6 services, and pedagogical coordinators).

 

All courses are delivered in collaboration with the Equal Opportunities Office, Protection of Differences, and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence of the Municipality of Bologna.

 

Diversity as a Resource for an Inclusive School and Education Free from Stereotypes

 

This course, organized in collaboration with Associazione Famiglie Arcobaleno and APS FRAME Association, consists of six sessions and aims to promote respect for all forms of diversity. It suggests actions and best practices to value differences as resources, fostering inclusive and welcoming educational environments for every child and their families.

Participants will be provided with tools to recognize and deconstruct gender stereotypes in educational and cultural models, promoting respect, diversity awareness, and critical thinking. The course encourages individual freedom of expression through activities and exercises, as well as through the reading of stories and images—considered key tools for children’s development, identity building, and understanding of reality.

Particular attention will be given to teamwork within educational staff, in order to develop shared and collaborative planning of interventions and teaching activities. The course also promotes family involvement in inclusion projects and supports adapting teaching to individual needs, removing barriers to learning and participation.

 

Identity and narration in children’s literature

 

This training program, offered by the Documentation Centre since 2018, consists of three sessions and aims to highlight the potential of stories and narratives in shaping identity and children’s relationship with reality. Special attention is given to themes related to gender identity expression from early childhood.

Based on bibliographic research and the Centre’s experience, the course analyzes the educational value of quality children’s literature and reflects on the mediating role of teachers and adult figures. It provides foundational knowledge on reading education as a key tool for promoting respect for diversity from an intersectional perspective.

Participants will learn to identify and deconstruct gender stereotypes present in children’s books and textbooks. Through storytelling, the course promotes inclusive educational environments for all, using stories and images as essential tools to support children in identity development and understanding the world around them.

 

From Family to Families: knowing and welcoming same-sex parent families

 

This course, organized in collaboration with Associazione Famiglie Arcobaleno and APS FRAME Association, consists of five sessions and aims to deepen participants’ knowledge of topics such as homosexuality, homophobia, and same-sex parenting.

Its goal is to challenge existing prejudices by providing opportunities to share reflections and practical tools to enhance everyday educational practices regarding diversity and the plurality of family models. The course offers strategies and best practices to create a positive and inclusive school environment, foster empathy, and develop perspective-taking skills.

Participants will learn how to welcome children of same-sex couples, prevent discrimination related to stigma, and use appropriate language when addressing these topics with children and parents. The course adopts a dynamic, practical, and interactive approach, combining theoretical insights, group activities, teaching materials focused on identifying family stereotypes in children’s literature, and direct and indirect testimonies from same-sex parent families involved in educational services.

 

Full course descriptions and registration details are available on the dedicated page of the Integrated Education and Training System (SFI) for early childhood services (0–6) in Bologna.