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.
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 Hearing Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2024
In 2024, the Clarke Hearing Center marks 50 years serving the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and beyond!
The Caroline A. Yale Memorial Fund Supports Record-High Number of Clarke Alums in 2024
Nine Clarke alums have been awarded the Caroline A. Yale Memorial Fund Scholarship, intended to support the ongoing education of Clarke students.
Tune In! Empowering Students with Hearing Loss: The Importance of Self-Advocacy
Nell Rosenberg, Clarke’s national director of teleservices, joins Digital Learning Today to discuss the comprehensive services offered by Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.
Our Stories
Ally
Meet Ally, a 2022 alum from Clarke in Northampton, who is currently pursuing a Liberal Arts degree at Greenfield Community...
Read More »Mila
Meet Mila, a Clarke New York student with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss in her right ear.
Read More »Henry
Meet Henry, a Clarke alum, who will be pursuing a criminal justice degree through the Dual Admissions Program of SUNY...
Read More »