After Sons Were Suspended from Preschool a Dozen Times, Mom Wants to Help Others Avoid the ‘Traumatizing’ Fate (Exclusive)

Mom Advocates to Prevent Traumatic Preschool Expulsions

A mother, Tunette Powell, is on a mission to help other parents avoid the traumatic experience of preschool expulsions after her sons were suspended multiple times. Powell, a 39-year-old mother of three from San Antonio, Texas, was shocked when her 3 and 4-year-old sons were suspended a total of 12 times from preschool within a year. Powell shared her story and received an overwhelming response from families across the country who had faced similar challenges.

The issue of high rates of preschool expulsions and suspensions is a concern nationwide, particularly affecting Black children. Statistics show that Black boys, despite being a smaller percentage of students, make up about half of preschoolers who are repeatedly removed. Powell’s experience with her sons’ suspensions left her questioning the reasoning behind the school’s decisions, as she felt her children were being treated unfairly compared to their peers.

The lack of transparency from the preschool regarding the incidents involving her sons left Powell frustrated and seeking answers. She advocated for access to video footage to better understand the situations that led to her sons’ suspensions. Powell’s determination to uncover the truth behind her sons’ expulsions led her to conduct research and interviews with other parents facing similar challenges, shedding light on the widespread issue of preschool expulsions, particularly affecting Black children.

Powell’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as she eventually connected with the Children’s Equity Project as the director of parent and family partnerships. She aims to shift the conversation surrounding major disciplinary actions in early childhood programs, emphasizing the importance of supporting children and families to prevent expulsions as a last resort. Through her work, Powell continues to advocate for better relationships between schools, families, and teachers to address the root causes of preschool expulsions.

Walter Gilliam, an expert in early childhood education, highlights the detrimental effects of preschool expulsions on families, including learning setbacks and social disruptions. He emphasizes the need for improved support for children and teachers, emphasizing the importance of fostering stronger relationships within early childhood programs. Gilliam’s research also delves into the impact of race and unconscious bias on disciplinary actions, revealing systemic disparities in the treatment of children of color, particularly Black boys, in preschool settings.

Ten years after her sons’ tumultuous preschool experience, Powell’s children are thriving. Her oldest son, JJ, excels academically and enjoys culinary pursuits, while her other sons, Joah and Jordan, are pursuing their passions. Despite the challenges they faced in preschool, Powell’s children have overcome adversity and are flourishing in their respective endeavors.

Powell’s determination to advocate for fair and equitable early childhood education continues to resonate with families across the country. By sharing her story and working towards systemic change, Powell is making a significant impact in preventing the traumatic experience of preschool expulsions for future generations. Her advocacy serves as a beacon of hope for parents navigating similar challenges and striving for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all children.