Our Preschools
QPS Preschool currently takes place at three schools: Snug Harbor, Amelio Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center,
and Wollaston. All of
these schools have active parent teacher organizations which contribute to making
those schools a vibrant and enriching experience for your child. We
encourage you to join and get involved.
At Quincy Public Schools, we know that preschool is an important first step in your child's academic career. Every child has different needs, and to help meet those needs, we offer several programs.
Our "integrated" preschool programs service both children with special needs and their typically developing peers. These classes meet for four half-days each week. There is also one preschool program in Quincy which is composed of children with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and students serving as language models. This class offers an extended-day option.
To participate in a QPS preschool program during the 2005-2006 school year, your child must have been born between September 1, 2000 and August 31, 2002. Screening took place March 14, 15, and 16. There are a limited number of slots available; acceptance is based on either a lottery or need, depending on the program. If your child was screened, you will receive a letter letting you know if he or she is invited to register for the program or has been placed on a waitlist. These age requirements and the wait list do not apply to children with special needs. If you have concerns about your child's development, please call 617-984-8951 to schedule an evaluation.
Because of state and/or federal funding, some programs are limited to serving children who live in specific districts. If you are not sure which school your child will attend, click here for QPS Street Directory for School Assignments.
We offer several programs. Some are free based on need or district. Some have sliding-fee tuition.
- Title 1 Integrated Preschool
- City-Wide Integrated Preschool Program
- CPC Integrated Preschool Program at Snug Harbor
- CPC Preschool and Extended Day
- Community Groups and Resources for Parents
Title 1 Integrated Preschool Program
You must reside in these districts to be eligible for these free classes.
- Snug Harbor 617-984-8951
- Clifford Marshall 617-984-8951 this program serving Marshall students takes place at Snug Harbor
- Della Chiesa E.C.C.617-984-8777
City-Wide Integrated Preschool Program
Children who live in non-Title I districts (Atherton Hough, Beechwood Knoll, Bernazzani, Merrymount, Montclair, Parker, Squantum, and Wollaston) are eligible for this program. There is a set tuition for children without special needs who attend these classes.
- Snug Harbor 617-984-8951
CPC Integrated Preschool Program at Snug Harbor
Like the city-wide classes, these classes at Snug Harbor are also for children who live in non-Title I districts, but the tuition for children without special needs is based on a sliding scale. Please call to see if you meet the CPC work/income eligibility requirements.
- Snug Harbor 617-984-8951
CPC Preschool and Extended Day
Tuition for this program is based on a sliding scale. Please call to see if you meet the CPC work/income eligibility requirements.
- Wollaston 617-984-8605
Community Groups and Resources
Community Care for Kids
Community Care for Kids is the child care resource and referral agency for Massachusetts' South Shore. It is operated by Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (QCAP). (617) 471-6473, (800) 637-2011
The Quincy Mother's Cooperative
This group offers children's activities, playgroups, family outings, and moms' night out groups. They publish a monthly newsletter for members. Contact: Ali Crehan Feeney at 617-472-2261 or visit our website www.quincymothers.com
Thomas Crane Public Library
Quincy's Thomas Crane Public Library has many programs for children. Storytimes are offered for children ages 4 months to 7 years and are conducted at all four branches of the library.