Expulsion in Preschool. Ethical Argument

In a previous post, I spoke of the rise in challenging behaviors preschools are seeing. Some preschools use expulsion as a solution to problem behaviors. The number of preschool aged children being kicked out of school has been on the rise. Usually this is due to violent behaviors that affect the safety of other children. Some preschool directors feel that expulsion is their only choice. While I have sympathy for them, I disagree. I do not believe that expulsion is the answer. Often the children who are getting kicked out are the ones who need it the most. Steps should be taken to ensure the safety of all students but there are alternatives to removal. Focusing on teaching the children how to properly express their emotions is a good place to start. Using positive behavior support strategies puts the focus on teaching positive behaviors instead of focusing on the challenging behavior. If a child is engaging in challenging behavior (screaming, whining, hitting, etc.) it is because they have learned that the behavior gets them their desired result. If we are trying to eliminate the challenging behavior we MUST show them a behavior to replace it (asking, getting help, etc.) other wise they will continue to do what works for them.

If a school is expelling children with challenging behavior instead of working with the families to teach positive behavior, these children will continue to face challenges and express themselves in appropriate ways. The behavior will continue until it no longer works for them. Schools and teachers must commit to exploring all avenues of help and intervention before expulsion is considered. It is time that we stop washing our hands of these kids and do something to help. It is time that we begin to look at challenging behaviors for what they are. It is not a child's problem, it is an adult problem. It is the adult's responsibility to help the child, not put them somewhere that they don't have to deal with them.

Some of the arguments that I have heard for expulsion is that these children compromise the safety of other students, and they compromise the learning of other students. I have heard these arguments from both teachers and parents. My answer to that is that it is a teacher's responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL students, including the child with challenging behavior and it is the parent's responsibility to be an advocate for their child. If as a parent you do not feel that your child is safe while they are attending class I would encourage you to talk with your child's teacher and administration first and foremost. If you are unsatisfied with the response you receive, it is your decision on how to proceed. Please keep in mind that a director or a teacher is not going to remove a child based on a parent request. I would urge parents to think about what exactly they are asking the teacher to do. Imagine your child on their worst day. Think of how that makes you feel and what you do to handle it. Now think of how your child feels on those days. Imagine if your child on their worst day was the only impression they got to make on their teacher. Or the only impression they made on another parent. Would you want that teacher or parent to demand the director to expel your child? Imagine if your child had their worst day, every day. Would you seek help in finding solutions? Imagine if you decided to find help for yourself and your child only for them to tell you, "No, we can't help you because it is interfering with Pollyanna Perfect's education."