Quincy School Committee proposes reopening Dela Chiosa Early Childhood Center for pre kindergarten

The Quincy School Committee meeting on March 26, 2025, highlighted a significant proposal for the reopening of the Dela Chiesa Early Childhood Center, aimed at addressing pressing educational needs in the West Quincy area. Dr. Perkins and Principal Janet Loftus presented a plan that seeks to enhance early childhood education by introducing additional pre-kindergarten classrooms, including both half-day and full-day integrated programs.

The proposal includes three half-day integrated pre-kindergarten classrooms, designed to accommodate eight typically developing peers alongside seven students with disabilities, as well as two full-day integrated classrooms. This initiative responds to a growing demand from parents for more comprehensive early education options, as current offerings do not meet the needs of many families. A recent needs assessment revealed that 44% of surveyed families found the existing part-day programs inadequate, with many seeking full-day options to align with their work schedules.

In addition to expanding pre-kindergarten offerings, the plan involves relocating six kindergarten classrooms from Lincoln Hancock Elementary to the Dela Chiesa Center. This move aims to alleviate space constraints at Lincoln Hancock, which has been struggling with overcrowded and unsuitable learning environments. Loftus emphasized the challenges faced by students, particularly those with special needs, in the current setup, where classrooms lack privacy and adequate resources.

The Dela Chiesa Center's reopening is seen as a crucial step toward improving educational conditions for young learners in Quincy. The proposal not only aims to enhance the quality of education but also to create a safer and more conducive learning environment by ensuring that classrooms are secured and appropriately sized for their intended use.

The committee's discussions also touched on the importance of addressing safety concerns within schools, particularly regarding unlocked classrooms and the presence of a resource officer. While the current security measures at Lincoln Hancock have improved, there is a consensus that ongoing efforts are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

As the Quincy Public Schools move forward with this proposal, the community is encouraged to engage in the conversation about early childhood education and the necessary steps to support the diverse needs of its youngest residents. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential approvals to bring this vision to fruition, ultimately aiming to enhance educational opportunities for families in Quincy.