2025 Minnesota Statutes

121A.425 FULL AND EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION IN EARLY LEARNING.

Subdivision 1.Disciplinary dismissals prohibited.

(a) A pupil enrolled in the following is not subject to dismissals under this chapter:

(1) a preschool or prekindergarten program, including an early childhood family education, school readiness, school readiness plus, voluntary prekindergarten, Head Start, or other school-based preschool or prekindergarten program; or

(2) kindergarten through grade 3.

(b) This provision does not apply to a dismissal from school for less than one school day, except as provided under chapter 125A and federal law for a student receiving special education services.

(c) Notwithstanding this subdivision, expulsions and exclusions may be used only after resources outlined in subdivision 2 have been exhausted, and only in circumstances where there is an ongoing serious safety threat to the child or others.

Subd. 2.Nonexclusionary discipline.

For purposes of this section, nonexclusionary discipline must include at least one of the following:

(1) collaborating with the pupil's family or guardian, child mental health consultant or provider, education specialist, or other community-based support;

(2) creating a plan, written with the parent or guardian, that details the action and support needed for the pupil to fully participate in the current educational program, including a preschool or prekindergarten program; or

(3) providing a referral for needed support services, including parenting education, home visits, other supportive education interventions, or, where appropriate, an evaluation to determine if the pupil is eligible for special education services or section 504 services.

History:

1Sp2020 c 8 art 5 s 2; 2023 c 55 art 2 s 28