The bill H. 4068 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-63-285, which establishes guidelines for the suspension of students in publicly funded preschools. It defines key terms such as "challenging behavior" and "publicly funded preschool," and stipulates that students enrolled in 3K or 4K programs cannot receive out-of-school suspensions unless there is a serious safety threat that has not been mitigated despite prior interventions. Additionally, in-school suspensions are only permissible after exhausting available support services. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining student enrollment and participation, requiring schools to implement various interventions before considering suspension or expulsion.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the State Department of Education to provide professional development and resources for educators on managing challenging behaviors in preschool settings. It also requires the collection and reporting of data related to suspensions and expulsions in publicly funded preschools, ensuring that this information is documented and made available to relevant committees. The act is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval, reflecting a commitment to supporting young children in educational environments while addressing behavioral challenges.

Statutes affected:
02/20/2025: 59-63-285
Latest Version: 59-63-285