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

Clarke Student’s Mentoring Experience Published by Forbes Blog
Mercy, a youth leader and Clarke mainstream student, shares her experiences as a student with a disability and discusses the value of mentoring on a Forbes blog.

Clarke’s Listening Walk at the Zoo Returned to Philadelphia
The event brought together 500+ students, alums, families and friends after a two-year hiatus, and raised more than $62,000.

Current Events & Anti-Racist Resources for Educators
Visit clarkeschools.org/antiracism for additional resources.
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