Understanding Early Childhood Expulsion Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

• In Event: Challenging Behaviors, Expulsion, and Trauma-Informed Practices

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews to learn about caregivers’ experiences with early childhood expulsion. We analyzed the data using a trauma-informed lens to examine if/how caregivers experience or do not experience trauma-informed care during or after the expulsion. Additionally, we explored the ways in which the experience of expulsion contributes to the (re)traumatization of children and their caregivers. Our findings indicate that caregivers believed the experience of expulsion was deeply harmful for themselves and their children. The implications of this study highlight ways early childhood education systems and practices can improve to be more trauma-informed and prevent expulsion.

Authors

• Mia Chudzik, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Courtney O'Grady, University of Alabama

• Catherine Corr, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign