Evaluating the Use of Relationship-Based Professional Development to Decrease Suspension and Expulsion in Minnesota Child Care Programs

Abstract

The Center for Inclusive Child Care and the Center for Early Education and Development at the University of Minnesota evaluated the use of Relationship-Based Professional Development (RBPD) in coaching licensed child care providers throughout Minnesota. The goal of the Inclusion Coaching Project is to support providers in serving young children who have special needs and/or challenging behaviors. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine the process and impact of implementing RBPD and coaching with child care providers, as a means for supporting and sustaining care for children with special needs. The overall results demonstrated increases in providers’ knowledge of recommended practices, their ability to develop and implement inclusion practices, their feelings of efficacy and confidence in their work, and decreases in the rates of suspension/expulsion of young children with special needs. Providers reported that the single most important factor that influenced their perception of the Inclusion Coaching Program was the quality of the relationship they developed with their coach.