This month, as we celebrate the countless ways in which Black people have contributed to our nation and made us stronger, we must also reflect on the deep-seated injustices that our society has a responsibility to correct. Black children—even those as young as infants and toddlers—disproportionately experience racism through discipline policies such as expulsion, suspension, and “pushout.” This phenomenon is steeped in a legacy of systemic racism that has permeated our institutions, including in care and schooling.

Over the coming months, CLASP will explore the issue of discipline in early childhood settings. We’re kicking off the series with a new fact sheet published this month. This resource traces the history of harsh discipline practices and systemic racism that dip into the earliest years of life and offers policy solutions for rooting out the problem and instituting positive change. In addition, “A Black History Month reflection on discipline failures in child care” provides recommendations for policymakers to consider at the local, state, and federal levels for dismantling harsh discipline practices.

The remainder of the series will delve into topics such as child development, program quality, supporting the workforce, data and demographics, and justice issues.

If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Ferrette at [email protected].