From Chapter 7:
THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND YOUR FAMILY

Getting any child and family ready for kindergarten involves both excitement and stress. For families with gender-variant and transgender children, there are additional issues to contend with, including fears for a child’s emotional and possibly physical safety.

We recommend that every family with a gender-variant or transgender student entering kindergarten speak directly with the principal prior to the start of the school year. This is best not left until the last minute. Introducing yourself and your situation ahead of time allows the school to do the necessary work to ensure the safety and support of your child.

It is also appropriate to request a meeting with your student’s teacher prior to the beginning of the school year. Even if it is the policy of the school not to announce the child’s teacher until the school year begins, the principal will often make an exception when there are special needs that must be addressed from the very first day.

If you cannot know which teacher will be assigned to your child, try to meet with all of the possible teachers before school starts. This allows them time to integrate your situation and to ask you relevant questions about your child. It also allows them time to do the necessary personal work required if they have beliefs that would interfere with the natural support of your child. In this way, the principal can assign your child to the teacher most capable of and excited about working with your child.