Learning objectives for the November Third Thursday include:

1. Gain insights into the prevalence and impact of discriminatory suspension and expulsion practices in preschool settings within South Carolina, with a specific focus on Charleston.

2. Explore the underlying factors contributing to disproportionate suspension and expulsion rates among Black preschoolers. 

3. Discuss recommendations, strategies for educators, administrators, and policymakers to implement more inclusive and supportive practices in preschools, promoting equity and reducing the risk of suspension and expulsion.

SCIMHA wants to thank and acknowledge Bee Collective’s effort to bring attention to prek expulsion and the disproportionate impact on black and brown children and families. Dr. Melodie Baker and Dr. Claire Cameron's presentation covers the work done as part of the Bee Collective. 

If you are interested in this topic as a parent/guardian and would like to join, please email Katrin Wood at kwood@scimha.org to have your fee waived. 

Presenters:

Dr. Melodie Baker

Dr. Melodie Baker is the Executive Director and Founder of ImpactSTATS Inc., a nonprofit policy and research organization dedicated to advancing equitable policies in early childhood and K-12 education through data-driven research and community-centered advocacy.

Recognized nationally as an education leader and advocate, Melodie leverages her expertise to drive substantial and meaningful change. Her contributions to the field are evident through numerous authored articles, op-eds, and reports on early childhood development, mathematics and policy in higher education. Her research illuminates critical issues and offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners alike.

Beyond her day-day work, Melodie actively participates in various national and state-wide councils, including Raising New York and The Equity Coalition for the Education Trust New York. She also holds positions on the SUNY Erie Board of Trustees (Vice Chair), First Hand Learning, Launch New York, and was recently appointed to serve on Governor Hochul's Early Childhood Advisory Council.

Melodie earned her PhD in Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods from the University at Buffalo. She also holds an advanced graduate certificate in Applied Statistical Analysis, a Master's in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen University, and a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Buffalo State University.

Dr. Claire Cameron

Dr. Claire Cameron PhD, holds the title of Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo. She is an internationally-recognized expert in how young children develop self-regulation – that is, how they navigate their thoughts, feelings, and actions; and how learning environments and educators can support children. She currently teaches online courses in mixed research methods and dissertation writing. Finally, she is a proud and always-learning parent of a 2^nd-grader with a significant disability.