Through the lens of early educators: Understanding the use of expulsion and suspension in childcare programs

As a means to comprehend barriers and challenges to the agenda of early care and education, this study was designed to understand the practice of expulsion and suspension in early childhood settings, particularly center-based childcare programs. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with 9 teachers and 4 administrators from 3 childcare programs. State- and program-level policies were analyzed. Results reveal that preschoolers are expelled and suspended for a variety of behaviors. Expulsion and suspension are used to achieve 3 purposes: protecting the interests of others, addressing families, and addressing challenging behaviors. Although participants agreed that expulsion and suspension have failed to address family or challenging behaviors exhibited by children, there is a consensus that such practices are necessary to protect the interests of other children, adults, and the program. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.