Increasing the dialogue among stakeholders in New Jersey’s special education system

This spring, the USDOE’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) addressed preschool suspension, expulsion, and informal removals. OSEP Director Valerie C. Williams wrote in her blog about the “stressful and isolating experiences” created by removing children from their preschool environment.

“What message are we sending to our 3 through 5-year-old children if one of their first educational experiences involves a disciplinary removal?” Williams wrote. “How does this experience shape their perspective, engagement, sense of belonging and future approach to school?” To further her discussion, Williams asked three OSEP technical assistance centers to expand on the topic of discipline at the preschool level.

Click to read the blog post from Valerie Williams, Director of OSEP.

Click for federal guidance on discipline practices from Office of Civil Rights.