The Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center (RDLC) offers half-day integrated Pre-Kindergarten classes; this includes the Pre-K programs that were once housed at Amelio Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center and Point Webster.
The integrated Pre-K program provides high-quality opportunities for children whose abilities range from typically developing to identified special needs, and who come from diverse cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds.
Funding sources for this program include federal funds, the Massachusetts Early Childhood Partnership Grant, the Massachusetts Early Childhood Special Education Allocation, and the Quincy Public Schools. In addition, we have a Special Needs Learning Center Program, which services pre-kindergarten students with a diagnosis of multiple disabilities, and several CARES programs for students who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
We participate in the federal breakfast and lunch program. Other services are provided by our special needs teachers, nurses, physical therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologist, music therapist, and guidance counselor.
Registration
The Quincy Public Schools Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Programs serve 3- and 4-year-old children with special needs and their typically developing peers. Children must be 3 years old on or before August 31 to be considered for the school year beginning in September.
The preschool program is both state and federally funded. It is designed to service at-risk children in the community. When a parent calls to register their child, their name and the child's name are put on a list for a screening date in the spring. The screening is conducted by the pre-school teachers using the Denver Developmental Test and at the same time, the guidance counselor completes a social assessment with the parent.
There are a limited number of Pre-Kindergarten seats available and Quincy Public Schools is not able to accommodate all students interested in the program. Each class has a maximum of 15 students of which 7 have special needs. The remaining slots are divided between regular education and students for whom English is their second language.
Learn more about registration for the upcoming school year ยป