Parents do not expect a preschooler to be suspended or expelled. But it happens more often than many families realize. In fact, according to healthychildren.org, expulsion rates are nearly three times higher in preschool than in K-12 schools.
For Arizona families, understanding why this happens is an important step toward helping children succeed in early learning settings.
The good news is that expulsion is often preventable when families and providers work together.
What preschool expulsion really means
Many parents think expulsion means a child has failed. That is not true.
Most preschool expulsions happen because a program may not have the tools or support to meet a child’s needs. In early learning settings, removal can take different forms. Suspension may mean a child is temporarily asked to stay home. “Soft expulsion” can include being asked to leave early, attend fewer hours or find alternative care. These practices can disrupt a child’s learning and sense of stability.
Behaviors like biting, hitting or tantrums are common in early childhood. These moments are part of development, not signs that a child should be removed from care.
This should be a signal that more support and understanding are needed. Instead of punishment, these situations often call for stronger communication and new strategies to help children learn skills over time—both at home and with the child care provider. Viewing these as opportunities for growth shifts the focus from blame to building skills together.
If you’re concerned, review the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s Challenging Behavior and Social Emotional Support guide to learn warning signs of suspension or expulsion and find support resources.
What the research reveals
Research shows that expulsion does not affect all children equally. Researchers found that some children received more complaints and discipline concerns from child care providers based on race or socio-economic status, even when their behavior is similar to other children in the study.
The study also found that children who received more negative feedback in preschool were more likely to have lower school engagement and lower test scores later in elementary school. These findings show the importance of creating fair discipline practices in early childhood programs.
Experts also say preschool expulsion is often connected to larger issues, including teacher stress, large class sizes and limited access to support services.
Support for providers makes a difference
Experts agree that support and strong relationships play a key role in preventing preschool expulsion.
When teachers have access to mental health consultants, coaching and training, they are better prepared to respond to challenging behaviors in positive ways. Research from the Children’s Institute shows these supports can reduce expulsion rates for all children while helping to build stronger social and emotional skills.
That’s why First Things First partners with child care providers across Arizona through our Quality First program. Quality First helps programs improve the quality of their care by unlocking resources for childcare providers to better support children’s social and emotional development. These supports help providers respond to challenging behaviors in positive, effective ways to reduce the likelihood of preschool expulsion.
Strong partnerships between parents and teachers also matter. Early childhood expert Dr. Walter Gilliam shared,
“The story I never hear is a child getting expelled when a teacher and parent have a strong relationship. It’s amazing what a teacher can do to work with that parent to help the kids.”
— Walter S. Gilliam, PhD, Early Childhood Development Researcher and Professor
Seek support early before challenges grow through programs like AZ STEPS, which helps child care providers and families address challenging behaviors before they lead to suspension or expulsion.
Working together with providers
When families and providers work together, children are more likely to stay in preschool and continue building important early learning skills.
Families can start early by:
- Asking about behavior policies and classroom expectations
- Sharing their child’s strengths, routines and needs
- Asking providers about strategies that may help at home and school
- Talking openly about concerns
Watch for early signs like transition struggles or strong emotional reactions. Families and providers can work together to understand possible causes, including sensory needs, communication challenges or stress at home.
Where families can find help
If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Families can:
- Talk with pediatricians about developmental concerns
- Follow up on evaluations with pediatricians to address root causes
- Celebrate small successes and progress over time to reinforce positive behaviors
- Contact Arizona Child Care Resources and Referral
- Use the Quality Child Care Checklist to find a program that better matches your child’s needs
Families who believe their child may be at risk for suspension or expulsion can submit an Arizona Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Support Request or call 1-800-308-9000. Experts are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
