Clare Sherry, 70; Schools Director

Clare Sherry, a director of preschools and private elementary schools for nearly 40 years and an author whose eight books on child development, parenting and teaching have been printed in five languages, died Tuesday in a San Bernardino hospital. She was 70 and had cancer.

In 1953 she became director of Temple Emanu El nursery school, a school since renamed for her and one of only three in San Bernardino at that time.

Based on her observations and training, she gradually became a nationally known spokeswoman for early arts education for young children. An artist and muralist herself, she offered children cultural insight and training while her staff emphasized an appreciation for the young on their own terms, rather than an education by adult standards.

Among her books are “Please--Don’t Sit on the Children,” “Think of Something Quiet” and “Management Guide to Home Day Care Providers” completed shortly before her death.

Survivors include her husband, Sam, a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister and three grandchildren.