Programs and Resources

Clayton School District's Early Childhood Program offers children from fifteen months to five years a range of preschool programs designed to make the most of each child's natural desire to learn. Learn more about the Early Childhood Program.

Special education is defined as specially designed instruction, to meet the unique needs of children with delays and/or disabilities. Special education and related services for pre-school age students is referred to as early childhood special education (ECSE).

The School District of Clayton Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program provides services to children 3-5 years old up to kindergarten entry, who qualify for special education services in one or more of the following developmental areas based on Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education eligibility criteria:

• Communication (speech and language)
• Cognitive (knowledge, exploration and problem solving)
• Physical (fine and gross motor skills)
• Social-Emotional-Behavioral (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills)
• Adaptive (the practical, everyday skills individuals need to function and adapt to their environment independently)

The School District of Clayton’s early childhood special education professionals and related services personnel (i.e., speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, etc…) provide specialized services to children with disabilities in a variety of settings such as Clayton Schools’ Family Center, in addition to preschools and day-cares within the district boundaries.

ECSE services are currently supported by federal funding under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as state general revenue funds. There is no cost to parents for special education services identified in a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Parents of children who are three to five years or approaching age three who suspect their child may have a developmental delay or disabling condition that may affect them educationally, should contact their PAT parent educator. Families not participating in PAT should contact the Family Center directly at 314-854-6900 to request a referral for an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.

For more information about Early Childhood Special Education please contact the Family Center office at 314-854-6900.

Parents as Teachers is a state sponsored and school district supported program for expectant parents and parents of young children who have not yet begun kindergarten. All residents of the School District of Clayton as well as families enrolled in our preschool may participate. This is a free service. New families may enroll at any time during the year.

Here are the four components of the program. 

• Personal visits individualized for your family
• Annual developmental screenings
• Connections to resources 
• Fun family activities and parent presentations

Learn more about Parents as Teachers.

Participation in Clayton Parents as Teachers includes FREE developmental and social emotional screening for each child ages 2 months through kindergarten entry. Learn more about Developmental Screenings.

The School District of Clayton recognizes the invaluable partnership between parents and our schools. Students thrive when their families thrive and to this end the district offers on-going support for parents of students from kindergarten through high school graduation. Jani Holyan, a therapist and district coordinator for Parent Education, offers one on one coaching focused on the goals you have for your family. We discuss strategies such as communication with your child, fostering connection and cooperation, discipline approaches that actually teach, identifying and understanding your child’s temperament or whatever specific issue you’re wanting a thinking partner on. For more information, email Jani Holyan.

Stay, Play and Learn is a wonderful gathering place for adults, and a fun place for young children to explore. This playtime for parents, caregivers and children ages birth-5 meets in our open and airy playroom full of places to climb, draw, pretend, paint, read, build with blocks, make new friends and more!  Learn more about Stay, Play and Learn.

Clayton Kid Zone Program is based on the idea that the before-and after-school experience is an extension of the child’s school day. Staff works in collaboration with the building level administrators, counselors, support staff and teachers to ensure a smooth transition from one experience to the other. Children experience similar expectations, school guidelines, caring adults, and quality materials and equipment.

Kid Zone is available 7:30-8:45/9:00 a.m. at the Gay Ave. campus for all classes and 3:15-5:30 p.m. at Gay Ave. for the five full school day classes only.

The PTO is a fantastic way to directly impact and improve our school. Enhance your children's education, network with other parents, connect to the Family Center, and build friendships! All are invited to monthly PTO meetings. Parents receive membership information and opportunities for participation upon preschool enrollment. Learn more about the PTO.