• What is "comprehensive" sexual health education?

  • Truly comprehensive sex ed is about way more than putting a condom on a banana. According to the UNESCO International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education, comprehensive sexual health education “aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will empower them to: 

    • Realize their health, well-being and dignity

    • Develop respectful, safe, and healthy social and sexual relationships

    • Consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others

    • Understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives 

In short, comprehensive sexual health education supports the development of critical life skills that can help young people of all ages have better relationships with themselves and others and create a future where they can thrive as they grow.

• Why do your courses include sex ed for kids starting at age 4?!?

  • Experts everywhere agree that effective comprehensive sexual health education, the kind that is proven to reduce a young person's risk of being sexually abused, needs to start as early as the toddler years. However, experts also agree all comprehensive sex ed needs to be AGE-APPROPRIATE, which means "sex ed" for elementary-aged kids is not at all about sex or sexuality but rather about building the foundational skills to have healthy relationships with their bodies and with others. Think about it like math; kindergarteners don't learn algebra, but they do learn how to count to 10. It's the same in sexual health education; of course, kindergarteners don't learn about STIs and condoms, but they do learn about body parts and boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, and what it means to be a good friend. As kids age, we can add developmentally-appropriate layers of information so that when they are older teens learning about consent and safety in romantic and sexual relationships, they have the foundation to actually apply this information to their lives. Learn more about age-appropriate sex ed here. 

• What curriculum does the program use? 

  • Bodies and Boundaries is a custom designed curriculum built specifically to address the needs of kids in the international community abroad. The program is based on evidence-based or evidence-informed curricula, including the FLASH Sexual Health curriculum, Rights, Respect, Responsibility: 3R Sex Education Curriculum, and One Love Healthy Relationship Workshops.

• What if my child is LGBTQIA+?

  • All of the course use inclusive language and perspectives and strive to be affirming of all diverse genders and sexualities, in an age-appropriate way. That being said, it is equally important to create dedicated spaces that don't just include but center queer experiences which is why we also offer Bodies and Boundaries: You + Me = We. You + Me = We is a sexual health and healthy relationship curriculum that is specifically for and about LGBTQIA+ teens 14-18. Check out the course schedule for dates and details. 

• What about religious or family values?

  • Parents and family play a vital role in their young person's sexual health and development, and especially in their young person's understanding of healthy relationships and boundaries. Parents and families will receive lesson outlines and related conversation questions and resources so they can complement the Bodies and Boundaries courses with open and honest conversations with their students. These conversations are great opportunities for explaining family, cultural, and religious values and expectations related to each topic. Basically, we are a team: I'll give them the information, you help them understand what it means for your family. 

• Is this program accessible for kids who are neurodivergent?

  • Virtual classes increase accessibility in some ways and limit it in others. I strive to be intentional in addressing as many access needs as I can in the content and learning activities by: inviting students to share access needs; letting students know what they will be learning in advance; using accessible font and images; discussing how different topics may show up for neurodiverse individuals; offering different options for student participation; and, encouraging students to do whatever they need to stay present during sessions (eg. stimming, movement, coloring, etc). Suggestions to better meet student access needs are always welcome. 

• Does my child need anything to take the class? 

  • Bodies and Boundaries classes are held via Zoom so students will need a stable connection to the internet to participate. Additionally, in order to make our virtual classroom a safe environment for curiosity and learning, it is important that students have a quiet space to join. A working device microphone and camera will allow for more active participation but it is not required. Students should also have anything they need to stay present and engaged (eg. snacks, water, notebook, coloring, fidget toys, etc).  

• Do you offer in-person classes?

  • I am currently based in Uganda and open to hosting age-specific in-person classes for 5 or more students locally. Please email me for more information RootsAndBoundaries@gmail.com   

• US agencies: Is it reimbursable for supplemental instruction allowance? 

  • This is a new course so in full transparency I cannot say for sure but it checks all the boxes so it should be! I will provide documentation citing all relevant public school standards for your home-of-record state that are met with the Bodies and Boundaries course. You would be responsible from getting documentation from your child's school showing that they are not providing instruction that meets the standards. I am in communication with DOS and will update when I know more.  

• How can I sign my kid up?

  • See the course schedule and registration info here! 

• What if my student can't attend any of the scheduled courses due to time-zones or scheduling conflicts?

  • We will have a new course schedule for the summer. You can also just email me and we can try to find something that works! RootsAndBoundaries@gmail.com