Preschool / Early Elementary Program
Preparing children who are deaf or hard of hearing for success in mainstream schools
Customized listening and spoken language education for children with hearing loss, ages three through seven.
Preschool / Early Elementary Program
Learning as a Family
During the preschool and early elementary years, the family continues to be the most influential presence in a child’s life. While Clarke’s preschool and early elementary students are learning to observe actively and interact with new concepts and people, their families and other caregivers are learning too. Parents, grandparents and other adults in the child’s life find a support network of families and professionals at Clarke where they can share and learn.
Families are actively involved in learning through frequent communication, classroom observations, participation in school activities, family workshops and Clarke’s Support Groups. Guidance and support is also provided to families as children transition into mainstream schools.
Curriculum and Classroom
Classes are led by experienced professionals
Classes are taught by master’s-level teachers of the deaf who are educated in the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) approach to intervention. All children receive daily individual speech with a speech-language pathologist trained in auditory-verbal therapy.
Preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade classroom activities
Preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade classroom activities are designed to enhance children’s listening, speech and language while supporting their pre-academic/academic, social, emotional, cognitive, physical and creative skill development. Children engage in problem-solving, discovery, exploration, reasoning and experiential activities in a joyful, nurturing environment. Classrooms are designed for the unique acoustical needs of children with hearing loss, and curriculum is aligned with state and national standards.
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Outcomes
Families form partnerships with Clarke’s experienced staff to create a supportive team dedicated to the success and development of each child.
Success in mainstream schools
IEP Goal Achievement
Recent Clarke News
American Education Week, Leadership Transition & Clarke’s Vision
As Clarke celebrates American Education Week this November, we’re honoring the work of educators who support students of all ages and generating awareness that impactful, safe, just and equitable learning is essential. For context, American Education Week was instituted in
Landon Family Donates $10,900 to Clarke in Memory of their Daughter
On Friday, October 21, 2022, the Landon family of West Springfield, MA, presented a $10,900 check to Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech from the third annual “I Can Hear You Now” comedy fundraiser honoring the late Tammy Jacobson-Landon, an
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation Awards Clarke Monumental $100,000 Grant
Clarke is thrilled to announce the William Randolph Hearst Foundation has generously donated $100,000 to benefit all five Clarke sites in Florida, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. The Hearst Foundation conducted a virtual site visit with Clarke Boston in April
Our Stories
Nora
Nora has congenital profound hearing loss and uses bilateral cochlear implants. She shines on stage in her school plays!
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Krystina
Krystina attends the University of New Hampshire as an empowered advocate for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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Jaimie
Celebrating Clarke alum, Jaimie, for her college graduation!
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