The bill S. 430 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 the use of available interventions. In-school suspensions are also restricted, requiring that interventions have been attempted and proven unsuccessful before such measures can be taken. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining student enrollment and participation, mandating that schools exhaust all available support strategies before considering suspension or expulsion.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the State Department of Education in providing professional development and resources for educators and staff working with preschoolers exhibiting challenging behaviors. It requires the collection of data on suspensions and expulsions in publicly funded preschools, which must be reported annually to relevant legislative committees. The bill also mandates that existing student codes of conduct be revised to reflect age-appropriate expectations and consequences for preschoolers, distinguishing them from older students. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a supportive environment for young learners while ensuring that disciplinary actions are carefully considered and documented.

Statutes affected:
03/06/2025: 59-63-285
Latest Version: 59-63-285