Preventing and Reducing Suspensions and
Expulsions in Early Care

Suspension and Expulsion Prevention for Arizona's Families

*The Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) has made improvements to the Suspension and  Expulsion Policy, effective October 1, 2021.
 
​Have you been asked to…

• Pick up your child early from child care due to challenging behaviors?
• Not return to the child care site for several days?
• Reduce the number of hours your child attends child care?

 
These are all examples of child care expulsion! The ADES Division of Child Care is committed to supporting child care providers and caregivers to find the resources and support that are essential to ensuring access to quality child care for all children. 

ADES Expulsion Prevention Services are now offered through AZ STEPS!
Families working with AZ STEPS can receive suspension and expulsion support and resources from a DES Contracted Resource Consultant with Southwest Human Development (Easter Seals Blake Foundation in Southern Arizona) by completing an Arizona Suspension and Expulsion Support Request Form or Notification of Child Care Expulsion

WHAT IS AZ STEPS?
Arizona Statewide Training and Technical Assistance for Expulsion Prevention
 
WHY AZ STEPS?
AZ STEPS provides resources, support and training to help child care providers prevent providers from suspending and expelling children, while strengthening their ability to support all children! AZ STEPS helps parents and teachers understand children's behaviors and how teaching social-emotional skills can help prepare them for social and academic success.
 
Child care providers contracted with ADES are contractually required to follow the ADES Expulsion and Suspension Policy before suspending or expelling a child. If you feel your child is at risk of suspension or expulsion, or a suspension or expulsion has already occurred, there are steps you can take to support your child and the child care provider.

1. Ensure the About Me Questionnaire completed upon enrollment is complete with all necessary information about your child. Review the form with the child care provider if necessary to help support the child care provider in best understanding your child.
2. Complete an Arizona Suspension and Expulsion Support Request form to initiate additional resources from an AZ STEPS Resource Consultant if your child is at risk of expulsion or suspension. This form can be completed through the State’s CCR&R by either:
   1. Calling 1-800-308-9000 or
   2. Visiting azccrr.com and submitting a request form available on the CCR&R homepage.
3. Communicate and collaborate with the child care provider, child’s teachers, and AZ STEPS Resource Consultant. 
4. Complete a Notification of Child Care Expulsion if your child has been expelled, to provide notice to DES and AZ STEPS. This form can be completed through the State’s CCR&R by either:
   1. Calling 1-800-308-9000 or
   2. Visiting azccrr.com.

5. Collaborate with the AZ STEPS Resource Consultant or CCR&R to find new care for your child, if needed. 

Additional Resources:
 
ADES Website: Preventing and Reducing Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Care
 
About Me Questionnaire[1] : The Department-approved form (CCA-1200A), provided to parents at their local ADES Child Care office when they apply and are determined eligible for Child Care assistance. The form is completed by a parent for each individual child and used by the provider for purposes of understanding more about the child to assist the provider in supporting the child’s growth and development, and create a safe, stable and healthy environment for all children.  At a minimum, the About Me Questionnaire shall be resubmitted annually.

CCA-1275A  'Preschool Suspension & Expulsion Prevention Support for Families'

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