CPS Mandates Sexual, Health Education For Kindergarten
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Some people may think a five-year old is too young for sex education.
Administrators with Chicago Public schools do not.
New to the curriculum this year, mandatory sexual and health education for kindergarten classes.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker took at look at the lesson the little ones will be learning.
Like every other kindergartener, Angelina Yang is learning reading, writing, arithmetic--and now sexual health education.
"I want to know what kind of education she is receiving before she gets that education," said Angelia's mom, Stella. 'As a parent, I have a right to know."
CPS insists the curriculum will use language children understand and focus on topics like bullying, correct names for external body parts and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.
"As you identify body parts, you talk about should you be touched here or not.," said Stephanie Whyte, the CPS Chief Health Officer. "And if someone touches you, and it's uncomfortable, you should tell a trusted adult."
"I'm OK with it," said parent Ayesha Ahmad. "I'd like to believe it's not necessary, but I think our culture dictates you can't start early enough."
Students will also take a look at the different family structures that exist in today's society.
"Whether that means there's two moms at home, everyone's home life is different, and we introduce the fact that we all have a diverse background, " said Whyte
That's a lesson some conservative organizations oppose.
The say CPS is giving in to liberal groups that seek "to normalize homosexuality."
It's the kind of lesson that makes some parents hesitant.
"If he has questions, I'm happy to answer them, but I'm not sure it belongs in a classroom setting," said parent Brooke Lyon.
The new policy calls for 300 minutes of instruction or about 30 minutes a month.
Parents are encouraged to review the curriculum. If they're uncomfortable with any lesson, their child can opt out of that class.
