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 be suspended unless there is a serious safety threat that has not been mitigated despite the implementation of various interventions. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining student enrollment and outlines specific steps that schools must take before resorting to suspension or expulsion, including exhausting available interventions and revising student codes of conduct to reflect age-appropriate expectations.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Department of Education provide professional development and resources to 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 provisions aim to ensure that preschool students receive appropriate support and that their educational experience is preserved as much as possible, while also addressing the need for training and resources for educators. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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