The Dangers of Preschool Expulsion
By: Katie McKay, EC-SEAT Scholar In a recent report from the Center for Family Policy and Research at the University of Missouri, Splett and Hawkins (2011) stated preschool expulsion is the, “single best predictor of adolescent delinquency and adult imprisonment,” ( p. 1, pp.3 ) an alarming fact when paired with high rates of preschool expulsion occurring in the United States today. On average, Gilliam ( 2005 ) reported the preschool expulsion rate is over three times the rate of K-12 expulsions across the U.S (Figure 1). Parents are confused why preschools are kicking out their very young children. Teachers feel as if they have no other choice but to expel children with challenging behaviors. And national advocacy and professional groups have come together to stand against preschool expulsion and suspension . Figure 1. Preschool versus K-12 expulsion rates per state. Adapted from “Prekindergarteners Left Behind: Expulsion Rates in State ...