ECEC Head May Oversee New Daycare, Preschool Program At DHS

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham Early Childhood and Education Center Principal Paul Sullivan is leaving his post, but he might not be going away.

Sullivan told his staff Monday that this year will be his last as the head of the school, but Superintendent Michael Welch told the school committee Tuesday that he wants Sullivan to stay in a different capacity. Welch is in talks with Sullivan to have him develop and oversee a cost neutral preschool and childcare program at Dedham High School for the Dedham Public Schools faculty.

“This will provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to return to the district and utility this high-quality option,” Welch said.

The program would also provide classes and internships for students interested in early childhood development.

The new program will be open to 4-year-olds and will be opened to residents if there are open spots. Welch said he hopes to expand the program to 3-year-olds in future years.

Funding for Sullivan's new position, if he takes it, would come from tuition money.

In other news, the new ECEC is about 10 months away from opening and Welch said he would like to do more outreach when it comes to the new building.

“We’re about to open what I consider the finest early childhood center in New England, and that will be coming online in about 10 months and we have an obligation to make sure we are promoting that appropriately with all families in Dedham,” Welch said.

Image via Dedham Public Schools