Preschool expulsion is an ongoing issue in early childhood education with disproportionate rates affecting Black children and those with challenging behaviors. Expulsion at such a young age can have lasting impacts on a child's academic and social development, and they miss out on being able to develop and practice essential social and emotional skills. Proactive classroom management techniques offer a solution while trauma-informed practices and addressing implicit bias help educators create inclusive environments that support every child’s success.
Learn how proactive strategies can reduce preschool expulsion and foster a more equitable learning environment.
The Role of Implicit Bias in Preschool Expulsion
Implicit bias plays a significant role in preschool expulsion rates, as educators may unconsciously hold assumptions about children based on race, gender, appearance, or behavior. Studies show that minority children, particularly Black boys, are more likely to face harsher discipline and higher expulsion rates than their peers. Educators play a crucial role in the development and growth of young children, and addressing implicit bias is essential for creating a fair and supportive classroom. It ensures that educators make decisions based on the facts of a situation rather than unconscious biases they may not be aware of.
Everyone has implicit biases, but acknowledging and addressing them can be challenging, which is why staff training is beneficial. Being proactive in addressing bias, individually and collectively, is essential to improving early childhood classrooms. To combat this issue, early childhood educators can start by reflecting on their biases and seeking professional development opportunities focused on equity in education, which better supports children and their families.
Through training, teachers can become more aware of cultural awareness and how bias influences their interactions with children and learn strategies to counteract these tendencies. Building an inclusive classroom culture where all children feel valued and respected is fundamental to reducing expulsion rates.
Proactive Classroom Management Techniques
Proactive classroom management fosters a positive learning environment that supports diverse learners and reduces expulsion. Here are several strategies to help teachers manage behavior and meet children’s emotional and developmental needs.
1. Establish Clear Expectations and Routines
Setting clear expectations and consistent routines helps young children feel secure and understand what is expected of them. When children know the rules and can predict daily activities, it reduces anxiety and confusion, which can lead to challenging behaviors. Simple routines like morning circle time, visual schedules, and clear transitions between activities can create a sense of order in the classroom.
Teachers should also involve children in establishing classroom rules to give them a sense of ownership. This encourages cooperation and helps children understand the importance of positive behavior in the group.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective classroom management techniques for encouraging good behavior. Focusing on what children are doing right and celebrating their successes can create a positive learning environment. This approach reduces the likelihood of negative behaviors that can lead to frustration or expulsion.
Rather than using punitive measures, teachers can use verbal praise, reward charts, or small incentives to acknowledge positive behaviors. This not only reinforces good behavior but also builds children's self-esteem and motivation to continue following classroom expectations.
3. Implement Trauma-Informed Practices
Children who have experienced trauma may display behaviors that are often misunderstood, leading to disciplinary action. Trauma-informed teaching is essential for understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and responding with empathy and support rather than punishment.
Trauma-informed educators recognize that children’s behaviors are often rooted in emotional experiences. Creating a calm, predictable classroom environment and offering support during moments of distress can help children feel safe. Techniques such as offering quiet spaces, providing sensory tools, or calming strategies like deep breathing exercises can help children regulate their emotions and behaviors.
4. Build Strong Relationships with Children and Families
Strong teacher-child relationships are essential to develop a support system for programs and schools. Families and caregivers should be aware of and understand any behavior-guidance policies so they know what is expected of children at school, and how teaching staff are expected to respond to challenging behavior. Open communication can help make them feel more at ease speaking about their children’s behavior issues with teachers and administrators.
When children feel connected to their teacher, they are more likely to engage positively in the classroom. Teachers can build these relationships by showing interest in each child's unique personality, offering consistent emotional support, and maintaining open communication.
Involving families in the process is equally important. Regular communication with families or caregivers ensures that educators and families are working together to support the child's development. Teachers can also learn valuable insights from families about a child's behavior, triggers, and preferred strategies for managing emotions.
Addressing Implicit Bias and Trauma Through Professional Development
Professional development for teachers is key to implementing proactive methods and strategies that reduce expulsion. Training programs focused on implicit bias and trauma-informed teaching can equip educators with the knowledge and tools they need to create more inclusive classrooms.
Reducing preschool expulsion requires a proactive approach to classroom management that addresses both implicit bias and the needs of children who have experienced trauma. By establishing clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, implementing trauma-informed practices, and building strong relationships, educators can create classrooms where all children feel safe, supported, and valued.
Professional Development for Educators
At FirstDay Learning, we offer professional development opportunities that help educators reflect on their practices and adopt strategies that support all learners, especially those who may be at risk for expulsion. Addressing these issues head-on allows educators to foster environments where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or experiences. Contact us online or call 434-989-2434 to learn more about our programs.
