Welcome to the DeCristofaro Learning Center!
Welcome to the Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center (RDLC), a specialized school community and educational program catering to students in grades K-8 who require extensive support in communication, academics, and social/emotional development.
Our dedicated team is committed to offering personalized assistance within small, specialized classrooms. While the program is primarily designed for students with autism, recommendations for enrollment are made on an individual basis, and inclusion opportunities are provided as determined suitable by the team.
The Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center was dedicated on October 22, 2023 and is expected to open to students in 2024.
In addition to our K-8 program, the Learning Center features 19 Pre-Kindergarten and CARES (Children Achieve Real Educational Success) classrooms. The Pre-Kindergarten experience remains consistent as it was at the Amelio Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center, but will now be housed in a state-of-the-art building equipped with bathrooms in every class. Following Pre-Kindergarten, CARES classrooms are available both within the RDLC and across other Quincy Public Schools.
For students in the CARES program, the IEP Team may suggest ongoing placement at the RDLC or in a CARES classroom at another Quincy Public School. Importantly, parent input plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process, ensuring collaborative and informed choices for each student's educational journey.