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Mixed methods approaches to research are gaining popularity in the social sciences. Although these approaches may be unfamiliar to many in our field, they can uniquely contribute to and enhance early childhood special education (ECSE) research. The purpose of this article is to orient ECSE researchers to the field of mixed methods social inquiry. We offer two examples of mixed methods. We define mixed methods and how mental models and paradigms influence these efforts, including a discussion of the distinctive purposes for applying mixed methods. Finally, we identify challenges to determining rigor and quality of mixed methods research and offer preliminary guidance to mitigate these challenges. Throughout, we encourage integrating rigorous mixed methods into ECSE scholarship.

Mixed methods research is a robust and growing methodology in many fields, including education. We drew upon the influential work of Greene et al., Ivankova and Kawamura, and Alise and Teddlie to explore the landscape of published mixed methods research in special education. We conducted a systematic literature review of 15 top-ranked journals in special education from 2007 to July 2019. Specifically, we used the seminal work of Greene et al. as a conceptual framework for describing how researchers designed and implemented their mixed methods research studies. We found a very small proportion of the total number of original research studies purported to use mixed methods (0.62%; N = 43). Within this small set of mixed methods research studies, very few explicitly articulated and defended how they addressed the recommended components identified by Greene et al. Implications for applying mixed methods to special education research are discussed.

Despite their negative effect, preschool suspension and expulsion are prevalent. Researchers have explored adverse childhood experiences and teachers’ racial bias that link to disproportionate suspension and expulsion in preschools, but little research has investigated disability status as a risk factor. This study investigates the extent to which preschool children with disabilities are related to exclusionary practices. We used weighted logistic regression to analyze data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. Results indicated that 5.4% of young children with disabilities had been either suspended or expelled, compared to 1.2% of children without disabilities. Accounting for child- and family-level covariates, disability status was not a strong indicator of preschool suspension or expulsion. Instead, young children with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or reported behavioral or conduct problems were much more likely to experience exclusionary practices. Implications for prevention and response efforts to address challenging behavior and promote inclusive practices in preschool settings for all children are discussed.

Legislation in the United States, such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act, mandates service system collaboration to meet the complex needs of young children with disabilities who have experienced abuse. This literature review examines extant literature related to young children with disabilities who have experienced abuse. Gaps in the literature are identified and future directions are discussed.