WHAT: 15 Years Ago Alabama Ranked Third in the Nation for Expelling Preschoolers: What Have We Learned Since Then?

WHO: Child Development Research Center

WHERE: Bryant Conference Center

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 22, 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

WHY: “Preschoolers are expelled at much higher rates than any other age group,” said Amy Crosby, from the Child Development Research Center. “It’s crazy to think that little children are being expelled at the rates that they are.”

This lecture on the expulsion of preschoolers will be given by Walter S. Gilliam, an associate professor of child psychiatry and psychology at the Yale University Child Study Center.

“[Gilliam] is considered to be an expert in preschool expulsion and implicit bias, he has addressed Congress on numerous occasions on this topic,” said Crosby. “We’re hoping that this talk will not only shed light on things that are going on within in our preschools, but look at how we can support teachers, and how to enable children to do better in school.”

High preschool expulsion rates can not only affect the long-term wellbeing of young children but can also affect the economic stability of their families.

“It’s not just about kids, if you don’t have children in preschool, this is something that affects you too,” said Crosby. “Being able to support teachers and children and people who work with young children not only benefit the child and the parents but also our economy and society as a whole.”

Registration for the lecture costs $40 and lunch will be provided.