CLEAR Approach Framework

A framework for inclusive instruction developed by Preschool Readers

The CLEAR Approach

Early childhood professionals face an ongoing challenge: balancing exploratory, play-based learning with direct, explicit instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Leaning too far in either direction can disadvantage some learners. CLEAR was designed to bridge this gap.

The CLEAR Approach is an instructional framework that supports early childhood professionals in designing and delivering inclusive instruction. Rooted in research and practice, CLEAR provides a framework for how instruction is designed and delivered, while curriculum defines what is taught.

Designed to work with any curriculum, CLEAR integrates seamlessly with existing materials, routines, and instructional approaches. Its five interconnected components—Child-Centered, Learner-Led, Engaging, Active, and Rapport Building—guide educators in making instruction explicit, playful, and inclusive.

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

Across today’s early learning environments, learners bring a wide range of abilities, interests, and needs—including multilingual, gifted, and special needs learners, as well as those whose challenges may be less visible. To help every learner thrive, instruction must be inclusive. The CLEAR Approach offers a practical, research-informed way to make that happen. Through its five interconnected components, early childhood professionals can intentionally bring together explicit teaching and playful exploration—creating inclusive learning experiences that respond to diverse learner needs.

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 movement and active participation in 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 for more intentional learning experiences.

HOW CLEAR WORKS

As CLEAR Implementation Consultants, we partner with educators and organizations to support the use of the CLEAR Approach within daily practice. Each Implementation Cycle is intentionally structured with a defined beginning and end, ensuring leaders and practitioners understand what will be implemented, how progress will be monitored, and what outcomes to expect.

Through observation, modeling, and in-the-moment support provided within authentic learning environments, CLEAR Implementation Cycles strengthen inclusive instructional practices and build educator confidence.

Educators are often presented with instructional ideas that sound promising but feel difficult to implement in practice. CLEAR Implementation Cycles help translate the CLEAR Approach into everyday practice by demonstrating strategies in action within authentic educational settings and supporting educators as they implement the framework independently.

CLEAR Implementation Cycles

CLEAR Implementation Cycles are offered in structured phases, supporting educators 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 educators 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 instructional settings, teams, or learning environments involved. Each cycle includes a series of structured on-site visits 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 educators to understand instructional context and priorities
Classroom observations 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. Educators 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

Educators 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 instructional settings, teams, or learning environments. This phase focuses on strengthening consistency, refining instructional decision-making, and supporting educators and leaders in extending CLEAR across contexts.

Implementation is tailored to your context, including the number of instructional settings, teams, or learning environments involved. Each cycle includes a series of structured on-site visits 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 educators and leaders to identify patterns, needs, and next areas for growth
Observations 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 educator and leader confidence 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 real educational settings—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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