Associations between program quality and expulsion of infants and young children from community childcare settings

Abstract Children under five are expelled at high rates from early learning settings, yet little research discusses the relationship between program quality and expulsion. This study examined the relationship between program quality (accreditation, quality rating system participation, child:teacher ratios, suggesting programs are not a match, administrator education and experience, expulsion beliefs, and perceptions of support) and expulsion decisions. Data from 314 community childcare centers throughout one northeastern state in the United States showed 35.7% (n = 112) expelled at least one child in the previous 12 months. QRIS participation, suggestion programs are not a match, expulsion beliefs, and child:teacher ratios were all found to be significant predictors of expulsion. Results indicate that several factors typically associated with quality do not act as protective factors against expulsion.