Pre-kindergarten Program
Pre-Kindergarten Program Improvement Plan
QPS
Pre-kindergarten currently takes place at three schools: Snug Harbor, Amelio Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center. 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 pre-kindergarten 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" Pre-kindergarten 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 Pre-kindergarten 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 Pre-kindergarten program your child must have turned four years old by August 31. Children who turn 3 by August 31 will be placed on a waiting list. 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. Priority will be given to 4 year-olds. 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 Pre-kindergarten
- City-Wide Integrated Pre-kindergarten
- CPC Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Program at Snug Harbor
- 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 is located at the Snug Harbor School.
- 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.
- Snug Harbor 617-984-8951
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. Visit their website at www.quincymothers.com for membership information.
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.