OCDEL Releases Two New Policy Announcements to Address Exclusionary Discipline and Promote Inclusion in Early Childhood Learning Programs

ELC praises the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) for release of two new policy announcements that now make clear its commitment to decrease exclusionary discipline and increase inclusion in all its early childhood learning programs across Pennsylvania. With ELC’s leadership and support for public comments and extensive parent, provider, and community engagement, OCDEL identified shared values and vision across its programs, and released these two companion policies, effective Jul. 1, 2017. Please read OCDEL’s policy on “Reduction of Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood Programs” here, and its policy on “Inclusion of All Children in Early Childhood Programs” here. These policies reflect one of many steps OCDEL is undertaking—which includes the promise of more detailed guidance later this summer—to ensure all early learning programs in Pennsylvania align with federal guidance. More importantly, these policies are designed to better support children, families, and providers to prevent, reduce, and ultimately eliminate suspensions and expulsions in early childhood programs, and to promote inclusion. Please find more information on these developments at PA Keys Updates including  OCDEL’s implementation timeline.  We will continue to work with our Coalitions and community partners to analyze and monitor the implementation of these new polices.