Empty Swings: Suspension and Expulsion in Early Childhood

O'Grady, Courtney

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/106841 Copy

Description

Title

Empty Swings: Suspension and Expulsion in Early Childhood

Author(s)

O'Grady, Courtney

Issue Date

2020

Keyword(s)

Special Education

Date of Ingest

2020-04-15T15:32:01Z

Abstract

I chose the image of an empty swing (set in motion) to symbolize the disruption that suspension and expulsion in early childhood causes young children subjected to these exclusionary disciplinary procedures. These practices are by their nature detrimental in that they deny young children learning opportunities, increase likelihood of future dropout and can be a source of trauma for children and their families. There is an increased risk of suspension and expulsion in early childhood settings for certain students such as students who have experienced trauma and students with disabilities. There are also apparent racial and gender disparities in the use of these practices with overrepresentation of children of color and boys. The absence of children in the photo is meant to symbolize how suspension and expulsion deny young children the fundamental experience of early childhood education to engage and socialize with peers. Additionally, the rural backdrop is meant to convey how isolating a suspension or expulsion can feel for children and families. I hope that this image serves as a visceral reminder that young students should not be excluded through suspension and expulsion from early childhood education settings.

Type of Resource

• text
• still image

Handle URL

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/106841

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Courtney O'Grady

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