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A Working Framework for Research-Informed Legislation Prohibiting Preschool Expulsion and Suspension

Alysse Loomis
Alysse Loomis
Annie Davis
Annie Davis
Yonah Drazen
Yonah Drazen

In 2005, a landmark national study by Gilliam revealed that preschool children were being expelled or suspended at a rate that was three times higher than that for K-12 programs. Children exposed to exclusionary discipline such as expulsion and suspension often experience educational and socio-emotional challenges as a result of these types of punitive practices, which disproportionately affect young boys and children of color. In this webinar, Alysse Loomis, Annie Davis, and Yonah Drazen provide an overview of what we know about the use of exclusionary discipline in early childhood education settings, the status of state-level legislation to prevent or limit the use of exclusionary discipline with preschool students, and offer suggestions for developing legislation informed by the latest available research evidence. The presenters propose a framework for evaluating relevant legislation and discuss evidence-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline.

Recording of the Webinar

Highlights from the Webinar

(Clicking on pictures will take you to the webinar recording)


The rate of expulsion from state-funded pre-k programs is three times higher than that for K-12 programs (Gilliam, 2005) and suspension and expulsion from early education disproportionately affects young boys of color (Meek and Gilliam, 2016; Office of Civil Rights, 2016).


Preschool expulsion is an adult decision and can involve factors related to teachers, school policy, and the larger early child education system.



As of a 2018 policy scan, 12 states had considered legislative bills related to preschool exclusionary discipline.



The study authors examined preschool exclusionary discipline policies on criteria including motivating rationale, personnel development, financing accountability, and alternatives and practices.


Categories

Child Development & Well-Being, Children, Early Childhood Care & Education, Education & Training