Now Enrolling for the 2025–2026 School Year
Pierpont Laboratory Preschool
Gaston Caperton Center, Clarksburg, WV
Centered on Growth and Discovery
At Pierpont Laboratory Preschool, we believe in the power of early learning to shape confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. Our preschool is a nurturing, inclusive environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, and connect.
We accept child care subsidies through Choices Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), helping make high-quality early education more accessible to our community. Our program is guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, which values collaboration, creativity, and the unique potential of every child.
What We Offer
- Experienced, caring educators who are passionate about early childhood development
- A curriculum rooted in exploration and play, designed to support social, emotional, and academic growth
- A safe, welcoming space where children feel seen, heard, and valued
- Daily opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity
- Nutritious meals that support healthy habits
- A literacy-rich environment that fosters a love of books and storytelling
- Hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence
Program Details
At Pierpont Laboratory Preschool, every day is filled with moments that spark curiosity and joy. Whether it’s digging in the garden, building with blocks, or sharing stories with friends, children are encouraged to explore the world around them in ways that feel natural and fun. Our program is thoughtfully designed for children ages 3 to 5, with just the right mix of structure and freedom. We focus on helping kids grow into confident, kind, and capable little humans, one discovery at a time.
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (minimum 4 days per week)
- Tuition: $30 per day
- Wraparound Care: Available from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. for an additional $10 per session
- Ages Served: 3 to 5 years
- Location: Gaston Caperton Center, 501 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV
Let's Connect
We would love to meet you and your child. Whether you’re ready to enroll or want to learn more, we’re here to help. Use our form or reach out to:
- Request more information
- Schedule a tour
- Begin the enrollment process
You can also reach out to Lori Barrett by phone at 304-367-4848, email lelliott1@pierpont.edu, or message our Facebook Page.
Contact Us
Pierpont Laboratory Preschool
Preschool Phone: 304-367-4846
Early Childhood Coordinator: 304-367-4848
Additional Information
Registration
Pre-registration is held prior to the start of the fall semester. A registration form must be submitted. The child is then officially registered to attend the program.
All children must visit the center for a pre-admission visit before they are allowed to attend a preschool class. The pre-admission visit is a state licensing requirement and must be met. This visit allows the child to meet the teacher, become familiar with the environment and to begin a successful early childhood education experience. The following information must be provided before the child can begin attending:
- Current up-to-date immunization record signed or stamped by the administering health facility or doctor.
- Current physical examination signed and dated by a licensed health official. Physicals are good for one year from the date of the examination, but with the initial enrollment a physical within the last six months is required. Health forms are provided by the center.
- All center enrollment forms included with the Parent Handbook.
- If the parent is a college student attending class during preschool hours, they are required to provide a copy of their class schedule including room locations, time of classes, and professor’s name. This information is important in case of an accident or illness.
Enrollment Policies
Enrollment in the Pierpont Laboratory Preschool is open to all families in the local area desiring a quality early childhood education program for their children.
Each child is enrolled for the entire school year. If a child is being withdrawn from the center by the parents for any reason, the center must be given two weeks’ written notification so another child from the waiting list can be allowed to attend. Notice of intent to withdraw must be given in writing.
Tuition
Tuition will be charged at the rate of $30.00 per day. An additional $10.00 will be charged for wrap-around care in the morning from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., as well as an extra $10.00 for wrap-around care in the evening from 3 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuition is accepted on a biweekly basis. Tuition will be charged for a minimum of four days, regardless of whether your child is present or not.
Tuition is to be paid through an electronic card system. A day and time for payment transactions will be determined.
If payment is not received within one week of the due date, a $10.00 late payment fee will be assessed. If tuition is not received by the due date and other arrangements have not been made, your child will no longer be accepted/enrolled at the center.
The center accepts payments from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Eligible parents are responsible for contacting the appropriate resource and referral agency to complete the necessary paperwork and for presenting all necessary paperwork to the early childhood program coordinator at the time of enrollment.
If, for any reason, parents wish to withdraw a child from the center, a two-week written notice is required. Without written notification, tuition payments will continue to accumulate, and parents will be responsible for paying them.
LATE PICKUP
A late pickup fee will be charged if a child is not picked up within ten minutes after the scheduled class departure time. A penalty of $10.00 will be assessed. The parent is responsible for completing the “late pick-up form” in the event of such incidents. Repeated incidents will result in the termination of the child’s enrollment.
Our Approach: Inspired by Reggio Emilia
At Pierpont Laboratory Preschool, we believe children are capable, curious, and full of ideas. Our program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, a philosophy that values exploration, creativity, and strong relationships between children, teachers, and families.
Instead of following a rigid curriculum, we build learning experiences around the interests and questions of the children. Teachers observe, listen, and guide, helping children dig deeper into topics that matter to them. Whether it’s building a city out of blocks, investigating how plants grow, or telling stories through art, every project is a chance to learn together.
We also see the classroom itself as a teacher. Our learning spaces are designed to invite discovery, collaboration, and reflection. And because we know that families are a child’s first and most important teachers, we welcome parents as partners in the learning process.
This approach helps children build confidence, express themselves in many ways, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Early Childhood Education at Pierpont
Pierpont’s Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with young children through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience. Students explore child development, curriculum planning, and classroom management while gaining real-world practice in local early childhood settings, including Pierpont’s own on-campus laboratory preschool.
Graduates are well-prepared to lead their own classrooms or continue their education. Thanks to an articulation agreement with West Virginia University, students can seamlessly transfer into WVU’s Child Development and Family Studies or Birth through Pre-K teacher certification programs.