The Early Childhood Department covers children in the Jr. Pre-Kindergarten class for 3-year olds', the Pre-Kindergarten class for 4-year olds', and Kindergarten. The preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Clairbourn's Preschool Program offers an atmosphere that stimulates learning and creates a feeling of success, thus making first school experiences enjoyable and positive. The philosophy of our program states that each child is a worthwhile and unique individual. All children are given many opportunities to learn in their own way, pursuing their interests and having their many individual needs met. Our goal is to accept each child as they are and to help foster their growth and development into a responsible, independent, and caring person.

Clairbourn's preschool activities are designed to promote fine and gross motor development and coordination, and to encourage learning by doing.
We will strive to make all children aware of the world around them through activities and experiences aimed at social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

We believe, if given the chance, every child can develop a healthy sense of self-esteem; a feeling that he or she is special; and a foundation that will encourage enjoyable learning experiences now and in the future.

Read more about the curriculum for Pre-School.

Clairbourn's Kindergarten offers a curriculum that strives to reach each and every child. Its theme-based, integrated program emphasizes kindness, friendliness, and working together, and lays the groundwork for future academic success.

• The language arts program includes Big Books, the creation of class books, and beginning writing workshop activities.
  
  
• Mathematics instruction emphasizes counting, patterning, sorting, classifying, comparing, and other basic concepts using a variety of manipulatives.
  
  
• Hands-on science activities, art projects, and field trips are a regular part of the curriculum.
  
  
• Kindergarten students work regularly with music and physical education specialists, and receive swimming instruction in the fall and spring.
  
  
• They are active participants in whole-school activities such as assemblies, the Christmas and Spring Programs, Heritage Day and Pizza Day.

View the full list of Academic Subjects for Kindergarten.