If A Child With A Disability Is Sent Home For Part Of A Day Is It Considered A Suspension?

According to South Carolina's Office of Exceptional Children Policies and Procedures released April 6, 2009, the answer is "yes" if the suspension is at least 50% of the school day. Furthermore, if a child with a disability has a behavior intervention plan that calls for a removal from school and educational services are not provided during the removal, these days would be counted toward a long term suspension as well. Finally, if the school has a school-wide behavior plan for all students and a child with a disability reaches the pont where he or she is suspended, the team must consider all behaviors that led to the suspension during a manifestation determination.