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Preventing Suspension and Expulsion in Early Education and Care Programs

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Preventing Suspension and Expulsion in Early Education and Care Programs

The Basics of Preventing Suspension and Expulsion in Early Care and Education Programs

  • Suspension is when a child is not allowed to attend an early learning and care program for a period of time. 

    Expulsion is the permanent removal of a child from a child care setting.

    It may be surprising that children are sometimes suspended or expelled from a child care program because of their behavior. Supporting a child’s social and emotional development can help prevent suspension and expulsion.

  • Preventexpulsion.org

    Why Preventing Suspension and Expulsion is Important

    This video from Preventing Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Childhood Settings talks about the issue and discusses some solutions.
    Visit Preventing Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Childhood Settings
    • Read the state guidelines about suspension and expulsion in early childhood. Talk to your child care provider about their policy. Ask questions about the policy if you don’t understand. 
    • Discuss the child’s interests, needs, sleep routines, and important life changes.
    • Talk about challenging behavior and develop a consistent response to these behaviors for home and child care.
    • Work together to set goals to support the child’s social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
    • Follow up to see how the child is doing and if any changes are needed to offer support.
    • Early childhood programs are strongly encouraged to establish policies to eliminate or limit expulsion and suspension. Read your child care provider’s policy about suspension and expulsion. 
    • If you agree that it is best for your child to attend another program, focus on creating a smooth transition.
    • If you suspect your child may have a developmental delay, disability, or mental health concern, ask where your child can get an evaluation. 
    • Let your child’s doctor know about the transition, in case your child can benefit from screenings or evaluations.