3.6 - Student Inclusion, Suspension, and Expulsion Policies

Inclusion Policy
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of ability, background, or other factors, has equal access to high-quality early education and support services. We believe that diversity strengthens our learning community, and every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential. Our inclusion policy is guided by federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are committed to protecting the rights of children with disabilities and ensuring they receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Suspension Policy

Our program is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where all children can learn and grow. We follow the guidelines set by the California Department of Education (CDE) Management Bulletin 23-08, which state that children cannot be suspended from our program due to behavior challenges, except in rare and serious safety situations.

What This Means for Families:

• Your child will not be asked to leave early or be suspended from the program due to behavior, unless there is an immediate and serious safety concern that cannot be managed in any other way.
• If a challenging situation arises, we will work closely with you to explore all possible solutions before considering suspension.
• We will connect families with community resources, such as early childhood mental health specialists, to provide additional support as needed.

If Suspension is Necessary:

• It will only be used as a last resort to ensure safety.
• You will receive a written notice (Notice of Action) explaining the situation.
• We will collaborate with you to develop a plan that helps your child return to full participation as soon as possible.
• If your child has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP), we will, with your written permission, work with specialists to find the best way to support your child.

Our goal is to partner with families to ensure that all children feel safe, supported, and included in our program. For more details, you can review CDE Management Bulletin 23-08 or reach out to us with any questions.

Expulsion Policy

Our program is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children can learn and thrive. In accordance with California Department of Education (CDE) Management Bulletin 23-08, we do not expel or unenroll children due to behavior challenges, except in extremely rare and serious safety situations when all other options have been explored.

What This Means for Families:

• Your child will not be asked to leave the program because of behavior.
• We will never encourage or pressure families to voluntarily unenroll due to a child’s behavior.
• If your child is experiencing persistent or serious behavior challenges, we will work together to find solutions that support their success in our program.

How We Support Children with Challenging Behaviors:

If a child is struggling with persistent and serious behaviors, we will:

• Partner with families and teachers to develop a plan for maintaining safe participation in the program.
• Consult specialists, such as early childhood mental health professionals, when available.
• Provide written communication outlining the behaviors of concern and the steps we are taking to support your child.
• If applicable, consult with IFSP/IEP specialists (with parental consent) to seek additional guidance on supporting your child’s needs.
• Consider developmental screenings, including social-emotional assessments, to better understand your child’s needs.
• Connect families to community resources that may offer additional support.
• Implement behavior support strategies within the classroom to create a safe and structured learning environment.

When Expulsion May Be Considered:

Expulsion will only be considered as a last resort if, after taking all reasonable steps, a child’s continued enrollment presents a serious safety threat to themselves or others. If this occurs, we will:

• Consult with families, teachers, and specialists to make the best decision for the child.
• Provide referrals to alternative programs, local childcare resource and referral agencies, or other community services.
• Help transition the child to a more appropriate placement whenever possible.

The expulsion process, if necessary, will be completed within 180 days, following all required steps to ensure fairness and appropriate support for the child and family.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with families to prevent expulsion and keep all children engaged in learning in a safe and nurturing environment. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, we encourage open communication so we can support your child together.