The Early Childhood Center at Clay Academy educates students in their earliest years. Our center is divided by age, with consideration given to overall developmental readiness. Each classroom's curriculum is tailored to meet the social, physical, and academic needs of the specific age group.  The themes and units are designed to assist the children in their growth toward independence, respect for others and our earth, and learning the skills of friendship.  The school's use of the Balanced Literacy approach provides each child with a literature-rich, student centered approach to literacy readiness skills. Teachers use fiction and non-fiction picture books, poetry, nursery rhymes, songs and finger plays to provide a multi-sensory, developmentally appropriate foundation of literacy readiness skills.  The youngest students also learn to deal with conflicts in a non-violent manner at the classroom peace table.  Teachers model and provide guidance as the Early Childhood students learn conflict resolution skills.  Learning to be kind and respectful towards others is as important in the classroom as academic and readiness skills.  To complete this well-rounded experience, each Pre-Kindergarten class meets on a six week rotational basis for Spanish, Music, Art, and Technology. Field trips are also part of the curriculum, and they serve to extend the learning environment and further develop an awareness of the world around us.