Keeping ALL kids in our classrooms….
In 2021, Oregon Senate Bill 236 was passed. This Bill bans suspension and expulsion in licensed early childhood care and education programs and state-funded programs, effective July 1, 2026. It also calls on us to create inclusive learning environments that address racial/disability disparities which is at the heart of everything we do at the Threads of Justice Collective.
Research has shown that suspension and expulsion in early education settings is directly linked to higher rates of high school dropout and incarceration... a cycle commonly referred to as the "Preschool to Prison Pipeline."
The Threads of Justice Collective played a key role in the development and successful passage of Senate Bill 236, and remains committed to elevating voices and experiences of young children, their families, and educators. Our work is about creating resources and learning opportunities to support a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape in Oregon and to eliminate suspension and expulsion practices.
There are three basic elements in this endeavor:
1. Keeping ALL the kids in our classrooms
Supporting each child and families’ identity
Teaching about differences with respect
Addressing discrimination and bias
Promoting kindness, caring and activism
2. Supporting teachers in that process
Understanding how their own identity impacts their teaching and behaviors
Building comfort with teaching about differences
Increase skills in responding to bias and discrimination
Healing from hurt and history with oppression
Growing in their conviction and the practices of moving to full inclusion
3. Building strong relationships with families
Inviting families to tell us what we need to know about who they are and what they need
Building trust with nonjudgemental openness
Responding to bias and discrimination when it shows up
Growing in understanding and partnership in the vision of full inclusion
The resources and professional and parent development opportunities developed and offered by The Threads of Justice Collective address the key elements described above. We also have a workshop titled, "Preparing Childhood Care and Education Professionals for Full Inclusion.”
We look forward to future conversations with you and all opportunities for us to collaborate on Oregon’s vision for FULL INCLUSION.
By Grace Bounds and Katie Kissinger
