CLEAR Approach Framework

A framework for inclusive instruction developed by Preschool Readers

The CLEAR Approach

The CLEAR Approach is a framework for inclusive instruction that helps early childhood professionals integrate play-based learning and direct instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Rooted in research and practice, CLEAR defines how instruction is designed and delivered, while curriculum defines what is taught.

Designed to work with existing curricula, programs, lessons, and materials, CLEAR fits seamlessly into existing routines. Its five core components—Child-Centered, Learner-Led, Engaging, Active, and Rapport Building—work together to support inclusive instruction.

Learn more in the Concept Brief.

A preschool teacher sits on the floor of her classroom with a small group of students as she reads them a book.

Group of happy little children are sitting on the floor in the kindergarten.

Why CLEAR Matters

Today’s early learning environments reflect a wide range of strengths, interests, and needs—including multilingual learners, gifted learners, and those with disabilities or challenges that may be less visible. To help every learner thrive, instruction must be inclusive. The CLEAR Approach offers a practical way to make that happen.

To explore more inclusive instruction strategies and real-world examples of CLEAR in action, stay connected with Preschool Readers.

The Five Components of CLEAR

Child-Centered

Plan instruction based on ongoing observations and assessments.
Learner-Led

Give learners meaningful choices in how they engage with learning.
Engaging

Design learning experiences that capture interest and attention.
Active

Include active teaching and active learning.
Rapport Building

Build positive relationships and a supportive environment.

Bringing It All Together

Insights from the Field

“…how educators shape children’s dignity, voice, and well-being.”

Peer review

“The CLEAR Approach prioritizes personalized learning experiences for diverse student needs, including special needs and multilingual backgrounds.”

Faculty review

“The CLEAR Approach is not just a framework, it’s a leadership mindset.”

Faculty review

WHO CLEAR IS FOR

Early childhood professionals—including teachers, coaches, tutors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, administrators, school leaders, and service providers—seeking to strengthen inclusive instruction for learners who are developmentally ready to work toward specific learning goals.

HOW CLEAR WORKS

As CLEAR Implementation Consultants, we partner with early childhood professionals and organizations to support the use of the CLEAR Approach in daily practice. Each Implementation Cycle is structured with a defined beginning and end, ensuring participants understand what will be implemented, how progress will be monitored, and what outcomes to expect.

Through observation, modeling, and in-the-moment support within each professional’s own setting, CLEAR Implementation Cycles strengthen inclusive instruction and build confidence.

Early childhood professionals are often presented with instructional ideas that sound promising but feel difficult to put into practice. CLEAR Implementation Cycles help translate the CLEAR Approach into daily practice by demonstrating strategies in action and supporting professionals as they implement the framework independently.

CLEAR Implementation Cycles

CLEAR Implementation Cycles are offered in structured phases, supporting early childhood professionals from initial implementation to sustained, independent use.

FOUNDATION CYCLE — INTRODUCING CLEAR

Best for organizations beginning CLEAR implementation and building initial practice.

Establishing CLEAR in practice

The Foundation Cycle establishes CLEAR within real instructional contexts, supporting early childhood professionals in understanding and applying the framework through their own practice. This cycle builds shared understanding, demonstrates CLEAR in action, and develops confidence through in-the-moment support provided within existing practice.

Implementation is tailored to your context, including the number of professionals or settings involved. Each cycle includes a series of structured on-site visits within participants’ own teaching settings that begin by establishing a clear understanding of current practice and conclude with reflection, refinement, and a transition to independent use of CLEAR.

Identify

Establishing a clear picture of current practice

Pre-meeting with leadership to align goals, priorities, and logistics
Initial touchpoint with participating professionals to understand instructional context and priorities
Observations of instruction to capture authentic instructional practices
Reflective questionnaire to surface current approaches and areas for growth

This phase ensures implementation begins with a grounded, shared understanding of both context and need.

IMPLEMENTATION IN PRACTICE

Building understanding through real-time application in existing practice

CLEAR introduction module to establish a shared language
In-the-moment modeling, feedback, and collaborative discussion during instruction
Immediate adjustments based on observation and reflection
Access to the CLEAR Toolkit, including planning guides, checklists, strategy cards, and CLEAR Chat for on-demand support

In CLEAR, learning happens within instruction. Participating professionals build understanding while actively engaging in teaching, with support integrated directly into practice.

This phase ensures strategies are not only understood, but applied effectively in authentic contexts.

Improve

Refining practice for independent use

Final observation to capture instructional shifts and growth
Post-cycle reflection and follow-up questionnaire
Leadership debrief with targeted recommendations and next steps

This phase supports the transition from supported implementation to independent use of CLEAR principles.

Outcomes

Participating professionals experience all five CLEAR principles within their own instruction
Practical strategies and tools are integrated into daily practice
Instruction becomes more intentional, responsive, and inclusive
Leadership receives a CLEAR Implementation Report with key insights and actionable next steps

EXPANSION CYCLE — EXTENDING CLEAR

Best for organizations ready to strengthen consistency and extend CLEAR.

Strengthening Consistency and Extending CLEAR

The Expansion Cycle builds on initial implementation to deepen and extend CLEAR across teaching settings and teams. This phase focuses on strengthening consistency, refining instructional decision-making, and supporting early childhood professionals and leaders in extending CLEAR across contexts.

Implementation is tailored to your context, including the number of professionals, teams, or teaching settings involved. Each cycle includes a series of structured on-site visits within participants’ own teaching settings that begin with a review of existing implementation and conclude with cross-setting reflection, refinement, and a transition to sustained, independent use of CLEAR.

IDENTIFY

Refining focus and expanding implementation

Review of prior implementation insights and outcomes
Alignment with leadership on expansion goals and priorities
Targeted touchpoints with participating professionals and leaders to identify patterns, needs, and next areas for growth
Observations of instruction to identify patterns, strengths, and opportunities across settings

This phase ensures expansion is intentional, strategic, and grounded in existing practice.

IMPLEMENTATION IN PRACTICE

Deepening understanding through real-time application in existing practice

Continued modeling, feedback, and collaborative discussion during instruction across settings
Immediate adjustments based on observation and ongoing reflection
Ongoing support provided within existing practice across instructional contexts
Access to and use of the CLEAR Toolkit to support planning and decision-making
Support for instructional leaders to extend and sustain CLEAR across settings

This phase ensures CLEAR is implemented consistently and effectively across contexts.

IMPROVE

Sustaining and extending CLEAR for independent use

Cross-setting reflection to identify trends and impact
Leadership collaboration to support long-term integration
Recommendations for sustaining and extending CLEAR beyond the cycle

This phase supports the transition to sustained, independent, system-wide use of CLEAR.

OUTCOMES

Increased consistency in instructional design and delivery across settings
Strengthened confidence among participating professionals and leaders in applying CLEAR
Alignment between practice and instructional goals
A clear pathway for continued scaling and long-term sustainability

Optional Add-Ons

CLEAR IN REAL SETTINGS

See how the CLEAR Approach comes to life in early learning environments—demonstrating how inclusive instruction looks in practice.

Bring CLEAR to Your Setting

Take the first step toward bringing CLEAR to your school, program, or organization. Complete a short form, and our team will follow up by email with next steps.

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