Details About Our State-Funded / Head Start Preschool Program

Our classrooms are designed to inspire exploration, creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning. Children learn through hands-on experiences that encourage problem solving, language development, early literacy, mathematics, science, art, music, movement, and dramatic play.
Our program features:

• Certified preschool teachers
• Developmentally appropriate instruction
• Play-based learning experiences
• Small class sizes
• Family partnerships
• Inclusive classrooms
• Social-emotional learning
• High-quality learning materials
• Safe and welcoming environments

Social-Emotional Learning

At Clifton Public Schools Preschool, we believe that social-emotional development is the foundation for lifelong learning. When children feel safe, connected, and confident, they are better prepared to learn, build relationships, solve problems, and navigate new experiences.
Throughout the school day, teachers intentionally foster skills that help children:

• Develop positive relationships with peers and adults
• Recognize and express emotions appropriately
• Build confidence and independence
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts
• Practice kindness, empathy, and cooperation
• Develop self-regulation and self-control

The Pyramid Model

Our preschool program implements the Pyramid Model, a nationally recognized framework that promotes the social, emotional, and behavioral development of young children.
The Pyramid Model provides a tiered approach to supporting every child by:

• Building nurturing and responsive relationships
• Creating high-quality, supportive learning environments
• Teaching social-emotional skills through everyday interactions and intentional instruction
• Providing individualized supports when additional intervention is needed

By embedding these practices into daily routines, we help children develop the skills they need to be successful in preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.

Partnering with Families

Families play an essential role in supporting children's social-emotional growth. We encourage families to reinforce these skills at home through consistent routines, positive interactions, and open communication.
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) offers a variety of free resources for families, including tip sheets, visual supports, social stories, and practical strategies for promoting positive behavior and emotional development at home.
Explore the Family Resources available through the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI).

Curriculum

Children learn best through meaningful play and active exploration. Our teachers use The Creative Curriculum to provide engaging learning experiences that build foundational skills across all developmental areas.
Children explore:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• The Arts
• Technology
• Physical Development
• Social-Emotional Learning

Teachers observe children's growth throughout the year using Teaching Strategies GOLD, allowing instruction to be individualized based on each child's strengths and needs.

A Day in Preschool

Every day is filled with opportunities to learn, discover, and grow.
Children participate in:

• Large Group Morning Meeting
• Academic Choice Time
• Small Group Instruction
• Outdoor Play
• Gross Motor Activities
• Literacy Experiences
• Math Investigations
• Science Exploration
• Music and Movement
• Read-Alouds
• Meals and Snacks
• Rest Time

Each classroom follows a consistent daily routine that helps children feel confident, secure, and ready to learn.

Family Engagement

Families are a child's first and most important teachers.
We value strong partnerships between home and school and encourage families to be active participants in their child's preschool experience.
Families can participate through:

• Family engagement events
• Classroom celebrations
• Parent workshops
• Home learning activities
• Conferences
• School-wide events
• Communication with teachers

Together, we create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Preparing for Preschool

Starting preschool is an exciting milestone for both children and families!
Throughout the summer, encourage your child to practice routines that build confidence and independence, such as dressing themselves, washing their hands, following simple directions, and talking about their feelings.
We also encourage families to explore the following resources together before the first day of school:
Getting Ready for Preschool - A family-friendly guide filled with simple tips and activities that promote school readiness and independence throughout the summer.
Tucker Turtle Gets Ready for Preschool - A child-friendly social story that introduces preschool routines, classroom expectations, and strategies for managing emotions, helping children feel confident and prepared for their first day.
We look forward to partnering with your family and welcoming your child to Clifton Public Schools Preschool!

Preschool Supply List

To help your child have a successful start to the school year, please send the following items on the first day of school:

• A backpack large enough to hold a folder
• One two-pocket folder
• A complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing in a labeled zip-top bag
• Diapers or pull-ups and wipes (if your child is not yet fully toilet trained)
• A crib sheet and small blanket for rest time
• A reusable water bottle (optional)

Please label all belongings with your child's full name.

Before the First Day of School

We encourage all families to review the Preschool Family Handbook, which contains important information about school procedures, attendance, health requirements, arrival and dismissal, communication, meals, and more.

Before and After-Care

Limited before- and after-care services are available at select preschool locations. These programs are operated independently by community childcare providers and are not administered by Clifton Public Schools. Availability, registration, hours, and fees are determined by each provider. Families interested in before- or after-care should contact the provider serving their child's preschool location for additional information.