Oregon outlines Every Child Belongs program to curb early‑childhood suspensions and expulsions

The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) presented the Every Child Belongs prevention program in an informational committee meeting, describing plans to centralize support, expand regional infant and early‑childhood mental health consultation, and build data systems to track services and retention.

DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee told the committee the program — created following legislation that established early‑childhood suspension and expulsion prevention — is intended to end exclusionary discipline in early‑learning settings and provide coordinated supports for providers and families. She said the department has used about $8.4 million in general fund to stand up the program to date and identified a continuing need for regional capacity and data systems.

Why it matters: DELC staff said an estimated 9% of children in care — roughly 15,460 children in Oregon’s estimate — experience suspension or expulsion at some point in early childhood. Staff cited national research (Dr. Walter Gilliam) showing preschool‑age…