The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported that excessive numbers of preschoolers are getting kicked out of school due to their developmental or learning disabilities. While this practice is illegal under both Pennsylvania and federal law, schools are hiding these student dismissals or hiding them behind informal exclusions.

If you're the parent of a child with autism, ADHD, or other developmental delays or disabilities, you naturally want to do everything you can to give your child the best chances for a normal, healthy life and a proper education. But if you find that your child is facing unfair treatment, exclusion, or expulsion at school, the Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm can help. We know how to work with both public and private K-12 schools and hold them accountable for the unfair treatment of challenging students. We can protect your child's rights and help them get the education they deserve. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential online form to learn more.

Problems in Pennsylvania Preschools

The Philadelphia Inquirer has highlighted multiple instances of preschoolers with autism, ADHD, and other disabilities getting suspended, expelled, or excluded from school. In all these cases, the school cited vague or irrelevant issues as the reasons for the exclusions. For example, a school placed unreasonable demands on the child and then faulted them when they couldn't meet expectations. Or schools claimed that children with disabilities posed a safety hazard or simply weren't a good fit.

An Education Law Center report noted that these preschool pushouts can have lasting harmful effects on the children, causing regression, emotional shutdowns, or additional learning hurdles. The report further pointed out that schools are hiding the extent of this illegal practice, as schools don't keep records of informal exclusions, and private schools don't have to report expulsions.

While the article specifically addresses the exclusion of disabled children in Pennsylvania, the trend indicates what is likely a nationwide issue. Preschools across the country may be ignoring both state and federal laws prohibiting the exclusion of children based on their disabilities.

The LLF National Law Firm is on Your Side

Parents of children with any kind of developmental or learning disability have to face countless challenges in caring for their children and trying to make sure they have every opportunity to progress, learn, and adapt. It can be immensely disheartening to learn that your child's school is only exacerbating the problem.

While many K-12 schools struggle with a lack of resources, that doesn't mean your child should suffer the consequences. Children with any kind of disability or learning challenges need all the support they can get from their schools. As a parent of one of these children, you surely want to do everything you can to help your child have a fulfilling and successful school experience.

If you believe your child's school is treating them unfairly and excluding them from activities and classrooms—whether by formally suspending or expelling them or informally barring them from group environments—the LLF National Law Firm can help. We have years of experience communicating with school administrators and school boards on behalf of parents and making sure schools are acting in the best interest of their students. Call us at 888.535.3686 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation and get started.