Exclusionary discipline in early childhood education (ECE), including suspension, expulsion, and informal removals (soft suspensions), disrupts learning during children’s most critical years and disproportionately impacts Black children, Hispanic boys, and children with disabilities. Pennsylvania lacks a statewide system to track these practices, masking their true extent and limiting reform.
Led by Children First, in collaboration with Trying Together, PennAEYC, and PHMC, this project collected data from child care and pre-k provider and family surveys, focus groups, and classroom observations. The findings highlight both system strengths and persistent barriers that undermine inclusion.
We suggest that you read the REPORT BRIEF.
If you want to dive into the data more, you could read the FULL REPORT.
Slideshow Presentation from the community meeting on October 29, 2025 is available HERE.