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Kids in Action reports 186% enrollment growth, plans for preschool and program expansions
Summary
Director Jackie Sanony told the School Committee Kids in Action enrollment rose from 171 in 2021–22 to 490 this year (projected 509 next year). The district‑run after‑school and integrated preschool program described staffing additions, new preschool classes, EEC oversight and planned Spanish enrichment and before/after care for integrated preschoolers.
Kids in Action director Jackie Sanony briefed the Hingham School Committee on June 1, describing rapid enrollment growth and plans to expand services for preschool and pre‑K families.
Lede: Sanony said the program grew from 171 children in 2021–22 to 490 this year and that the program expects about 509 children next year—an increase she described as roughly 186% over five years.
Nut graf: KIA runs preschool and before/after‑school services under Hingham Public Schools oversight as a revolving, self‑funded program monitored by the state Early Education and Care (EEC) office. Sanony outlined new staffing (a preschool/pre‑K coordinator and inclusion teachers), enrichment pilots (strings, chess, Taekwondo), curriculum adoptions and plans for expanded integrated‑preK before/after care and a Spanish enrichment pilot for September.
Details: Sanony described operational elements (hours, voucher support, staff professional development) and named curriculum used in early literacy (Lively Letters), language supports (Tell‑Ted) and impending adoption of the Bridges mathematics program across the district. She said the program added preschool sections in 2024 and 2025 and now operates integrated preschool classrooms at district elementary sites; vouchers cover roughly 80% of tuition where families qualify.
Sanony listed accomplishments—expanded preschool capacity, new inclusion staff and professional development—and noted community service projects and partnerships with schools for strings and enrichment classes. She said demand remains high with nearly 20 families on the wait list for the coming year.
Next steps: KIA will open additional before/after care for three‑year‑old integrated preschoolers, pilot a Spanish enrichment class, and celebrate its 40th anniversary beginning in August.
