MINNEAPOLIS — A troubling trend is emerging across the United States: an increasing number of preschoolers are being expelled or suspended.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preschool children are being suspended at a rate three times higher than students in kindergarten through 12th grade. This alarming statistic has prompted educators to raise concerns.
At a community briefing held Thursday at St. David’s Center, Dr. Tim Zeng, from the Institute for Early Education Leadership and Innovation in Boston, shared his findings on the issue. His research revealed that 49% of preschool teachers reported suspending a child in the past year.
The data also highlighted disparities in suspension rates. Black children, who make up less than 20% of preschool enrollment, account for nearly half of all public preschool suspensions. Children with disabilities are more likely to face suspension, and boys are expelled at a rate 4.5 times higher than girls.
Dr. Zeng emphasized the importance of teaching children problem-solving skills in the classroom, rather than resorting to suspensions. “The children have to learn about problem-solving skills in the classroom setting, instead of just sending them home,” he said.
In response to this issue, Grace Neighborhood Nursery School in Uptown Minneapolis is working to break the cycle of expulsions and suspensions. Executive Director Barb Murphy believes that the early years of education are crucial for a child’s future success. She explained that the school takes an individualized approach to each student, focusing on meeting their unique needs.
“They are living in the real world, and we have to understand their world, so that we can tailor our strategies to meet them where they are,” Murphy said. “We want every child to leave here saying, ‘I like school and I know how to do school.'”
Murphy, who has been with Grace Neighborhood for 10 years, proudly notes that the school has never expelled a child. She attributes their success to small class sizes and dedicated staff who can provide one-on-one support. However, she acknowledges that not all preschools have the resources to implement this level of personalized care.
As suspensions and expulsions continue to rise, schools like Grace Neighborhood are setting an example for how early education can focus on nurturing rather than punishing young children.
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