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Trying Together, the ELRC Region 5’s quality partner, is partnering with Children First and PHMC on a research project aiming to gain insights into the mechanisms behind suspension and expulsion practices in early childhood education settings.

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Child care providers and families are invited to actively participate in dialogues, including focus groups and individual interviews, to share stories from their experiences in early childhood education programs. Participation will contribute significantly to a final report analyzing practices that lead to suspension or expulsion.

The goal is to formulate policy recommendations that address and mitigate these practices, recognizing the significant role of racism and implicit bias.

Child Care Provider Survey

Early childhood education providers who support children requiring additional behavioral or early intervention services are invited to take the child care provider survey. Responses will help gain insight into communication practices with families when a child requires services beyond the standard classroom offerings; challenges faced in communicating with families during such circumstances; and interactions between providers and external therapists, as well as one-on-one support providers entering the classroom to assist children.

Parent Survey

The project aims to gain insights into the reasons behind families leaving early childhood programs.

Families who have changed early childhood programs, especially those who may have had to switch more than once, are encouraged to fill out the parent survey. Responses can provide valuable insights into patterns of both voluntary and involuntary departures; the communication strategies utilized between families and early childhood providers before making the decision to change programs; and how these transitions impact the services children can access, including early intervention and behavioral services.