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IMPH outlines task force to curb exclusionary discipline among early learners; report due in October
Summary
The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health told the committee it will convene a Foundations for Success Task Force chaired by former DSS director Mike Leach to develop consensus recommendations on early-childhood exclusionary discipline, with a report and action plan expected in October.
Amelia Wilkes Robinson, director of legislative engagement at the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH), briefed the committee on a new Foundations for Success Task Force that will study exclusionary discipline among early learners and recommend policy and implementation steps.
"Former DSS director Mike Leach is going to chair the task force," Wilkes Robinson said, and IMPH will serve as facilitator, analyze data, and translate findings for policymakers.
Wilkes Robinson said the task force will expand the committee’s earlier work on suspensions and expulsions and will include subject-matter experts from agencies, nonprofits, behavioral-health providers, pediatricians and school leaders. The task force will expand scope to cover 3K programs through first grade, and IMPH intends to convene five full task-force meetings and additional working groups to produce a consensus-based set of recommendations and an action plan.
On timing, she said, "That report will be released in October." The action plan will identify champions and facilitators so members can know which organizations have leverage to execute recommendations, whether by scaling programs, aligning investments, or pursuing policy changes.
Committee members asked about public input. Dr. Seymour asked whether the task force will hold public hearings or provide other channels for parent voices; Wilkes Robinson said IMPH has not scheduled a public hearing but is working with associations to incorporate parent voices and may consider further input opportunities.
Wilkes Robinson also said IMPH is finalizing information gathering and is working with the Department of Education on a data transfer to inform the task force’s work. She offered to provide the committee with a list of task-force members (about 40 participants) when requested.
The task force presentation closed with an invitation for committee engagement and an assurance that IMPH will continue to brief legislators as recommendations are developed.
