Suspension & Expulsion

POLICY:

NOCAC Child Development does not suspend or expel a child due to behavior.

PROCEDURES:

Changes to a child’s schedule or option may only be temporary in nature.

1. NOCAC Child Development may implement a temporary change in schedule or option as a last resort in extraordinary circumstances where there is a serious safety threat that cannot be reduced or eliminated by the provision of reasonable modifications.
2. Before the program determines whether a change in schedule or option is necessary, NOCAC Child Development will engage:
   1. Collaborate with the parents
   2. Utilize the NOCAC Mental Health Behavioral Specialist
   3. With a mental health consultant
   4. Utilize appropriate community resources such as:
      1. Behavior coaches
      2. Psychologists
      3. Other appropriate specialists
      4. Other resources – as needed, to determine that no other reasonable option is appropriate.
3. If a change in schedule or option is deemed necessary, NOCAC Child Development will help the participant return to full participation as quickly as possible while ensuring the participant’s safety by:
   1. Engaging with the parents and a mental health consultant.
   2. Continue to utilize appropriate community resources.
   3. Developing a written plan to document the action and supports needed.
   4. Providing services that could include home visits.
   5. Determine whether a referral to a local agency responsible for implementing IDEA is appropriate.

Prohibition on expulsion.

1. NOCAC Child Development will not expel or unenroll a participant from NOCAC Child Development because of a participant’s behavior.
2. When a participant exhibits persistent and serious challenging behaviors, NOCAC Child Development:
   1. The Teaching team, Family Advocate, Mental Health Specialist, along with the family will explore all possible steps to address the situation.
   2. Facilitating the participant’s safe participation in the program, such steps will include, at a minimum:
      1. Engaging with outside mental health resources if necessary.
   3. All correspondence will be documented in Child Plus.
3. If the participant has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP),
   1. NOCAC Child Development will consult with the agency responsible for the IFSP or IEP to ensure the participant receives the needed support services.
4. If the participant does not have an IFSP or IEP, NOCAC Child Development with parental consent:
   1. Will collaborate with the local agency responsible for implementing IDEA or IEP to determine the participant’s eligibility for services.
5. If, after NOCAC Child Development has explored all options and documented all steps taken NOCAC Child Development in consultation with the parents, the child’s teacher, the agency responsible for implementing IDEA or IEP (if applicable), and NOCAC Behavior Specialist, determines that the participant’s continued enrollment presents a continued serious safety threat to the participant or other participants and it is determined NOCAC Child Development is not the most appropriate placement for the child. The program must work with such entities to directly facilitate the transition of the participant to a more appropriate placement.

Forms and Additional Guidance: