For Colorado kids, positive learning experiences during sensitive early years help balance out negative impacts of poverty and build resilience for challenges ahead. In Colorado, young children during their most sensitive periods are being disciplined with expulsion or out-of-school suspensions. These actions cut them off them from the positive experiences of quality preschool or public school.
- Even though the behaviors of kids under 8 can be challenging, they are often appropriate for their age and are better addressed by working with the child rather than excluding them from school.
- Research shows that young children who are expelled or suspended are more likely to experience more discipline in later years, report feeling disconnected from school, drop out and face incarceration as adults.
- Young boys and children of color are more likely to enter this “school-to-prison pipeline” early on in their school experience than other children.
We need the skills and contributions of all learners in our communities. We need to ensure all kids have positive early learning experiences—especially during sensitive times.
What the Children’s Campaign is Doing
Throughout the summer and fall of 2016, the Children’s Campaign will be working with partners to conduct a series of meetings with a working group examining the issue of suspensions and expulsions in early childhood and elementary school settings. Stay tuned for meeting details and how you can get involved.
Additional Resources
- Data Snapshot: Early Childhood Education, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
- Standing Together Against Suspension & Expulsion in Early Childhood, Joint Statement
- 2013-2014 Civil Rights Data Collection: A First Look, U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
- Federal Guidance on Child Care and Pre-K Suspensions Released, Colorado Children’s Campaign
- Lack of Preschool Access in Southwest Denver Highlighted by Parents, Colorado Children’s Campaign 02.2016
- Should preschool suspensions and expulsions be banned? Three takeaways from “The Discipline Debate.” Chalkbeat 04.2016
- Why Preschool Suspensions Still Happen (And How To Stop Them), National Public Radio 06.2016