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North Kingstown preschool site opens with drive-through drop-off; Momentum Clinic to co-locate
Summary
Early childhood supervisors and special-education staff described a smooth transition into a new preschool facility, a drive-through drop-off system, a November playground start date, and a Momentum Clinic rental that staff say will reduce service barriers for families.
Jackie De Lorenzo, the district's early childhood supervisor, reported the preschool transition into a new facility "was just fabulous. Just smooth." She told the CLAC meeting that staff worked with facilities, police and the fire department to design arrival and dismissal logistics and settled on a drive-through drop-off so families need not unbuckle small children in inclement weather.
"We created a system that's really working well, and parents are loving it," De Lorenzo said, adding that staff continue to ask parents to buckle children in seat belts at the curb because the district will not do that for families.
De Lorenzo said the playground construction at the new preschool site is scheduled to begin Nov. 1 and described the building as a "great facility," while noting staff are planning an informational meeting on Oct. 24 about the Momentum Clinic that will be located in the building. Attendees were told Jen Marshall from the Momentum Clinic will attend to explain clinic goals and answer questions.
District staff clarified the arrangement with the Momentum Clinic is a rental of space: "They're renting that space. It's not ours," Dr. Rachel Santo said, adding the district has a "very clear understanding that it's not meant to take the place of older students being pulled out of school to be put into clinic." Staff framed the clinic as a neighborhood resource to reduce transportation and appointment barriers for families who rely on Medicaid or Katie Beckett funding.
Accessibility and inclusive design were also discussed. Staff said the district has been coordinating with the DEI committee and special-education staff on facility assessments tied to the district's capital improvement plan. The meeting included a request to involve special-education teachers and teacher assistants in walk-throughs because they are the staff most familiar with navigating buildings with students who need supports.
No formal actions or votes were taken. Staff said they will host an informational meeting for preschool parents and post further information to district communication channels.
