The State of Early Childhood Education in Pennsylvania: Exclusionary Discipline and Preschool-to-Prison Pipeline

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Development Across the Lifespan (Table 5)

Abstract

The current study investigates the preschool-to-prison pipeline (pS2PP) in Pennsylvania by focusing on exclusionary practices in early childhood education (ECE). Previous research on the school-to-prison pipeline (S2PP) underscores the drastic differences in disciplinary action for students marginalized by white supremacy and ableism. This paper adds to the literature with findings to suggest the same disparities persist in ECE: Black preschoolers are disproportionately suspended and preschoolers with disabilities are disproportionately expelled. The study’s mixed methods approach provides much-needed context through semi-structured interviews with caregivers and ECE providers and secondary quantitative data. The results emphasize the necessity of trauma-informed trainings for educators and systemic reforms to address pervasive challenges in ECE in order to disrupt the pS2PP.

Authors

• Aidan Campagnolio, Temple University

• Amy Lynch, Temple University

• K. Eva Weiss, Temple University

• John Suarez, Temple University

• Maria Aguilar Walls, Temple University

• Sally A. Gould-Taylor, Temple University