Dedham Community House Announces Expanded Preschool Hours, Celebrates Successful Summer Soirée, and Welcomes New Executive Director

DEDHAM, MA – Dedham Community House (DCH) is entering an exciting new chapter with the announcement of expanded preschool hours, the success of its recent Summer Soirée fundraiser, and the appointment of Ray Santos as Executive Director.

Together, these milestones reflect a growing organization investing in families, strengthening community connections, and building for the future.

DCH Preschool Expands Hours to Better Support Working Families

Beginning Monday, August 31, 2026, the DCH Preschool will expand its core operating hours to 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

The change follows extensive research, family feedback, enrollment trends, and a review of evolving childcare needs throughout the region.

"Our families told us they needed greater flexibility, and we listened," said Ray Santos, Executive Director of Dedham Community House. "As post-COVID work schedules continue to evolve, families need early childhood programs that provide both exceptional educational experiences and practical support. Expanding our day to 5:30 PM allows us to better support working families while preserving the nurturing, relationship-based environment that defines the DCH Preschool."

Santos added that DCH will continue to seek feedback from families and adapt programs and services as community needs evolve.

"One of the advantages of being a community-based nonprofit is that we can remain responsive," Santos said. "We are always listening to our families and evaluating how our programs, schedules, and services can best support them. This change reflects our commitment to growing alongside the community we serve."

The DCH Preschool serves children ages 15 months through 5 years and has earned a reputation as one of the area's most trusted early childhood programs.

What sets DCH Preschool apart is a combination of its educational philosophy, experienced teaching team, and extraordinary campus.

The preschool's approach to learning is rooted in wonder, creativity, exploration, and connection. Children learn through hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, and play-based learning designed to build confidence, independence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for future success.

Rather than expecting children to fit into a rigid structure, DCH Preschool creates environments and experiences that respond to who children are as learners, encouraging them to grow at their own pace while discovering their unique strengths and interests.

Just as important are the relationships children build with their teachers. Many DCH educators have been with the organization for 10, 15, and even more than 20 years, providing continuity, stability, and deep connections that families value. That level of teacher retention is increasingly rare in early childhood education and reflects DCH's longstanding commitment to creating a supportive environment for both children and staff.

The preschool is also uniquely positioned on DCH's historic 7.5-acre campus, stretching from High Street and Ames Street to the Charles River. Children explore more than 13,000 square feet of dedicated playground space, a 55,000 square foot athletic field, a nearly 2,200 square foot indoor gymnasium, nature trails, open green spaces, and riverside areas along the Charles River. Rather than being confined to a single building and playground, DCH Preschool students learn across an entire campus, where every season brings new opportunities for exploration, discovery, movement, and hands-on learning.

"Families are looking for more than childcare," Santos said. "They want a place where their children are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. Our play-based approach, experienced teachers, and one-of-a-kind campus create an environment that is difficult to replicate and incredibly special."

Families also benefit from being part of the broader DCH community. Preschool families receive annual discounts and community credits that can be applied toward summer camp enrollment, pool memberships, family programs, and venue rentals for birthday parties and special events.

"A child might start in our preschool, attend camp during the summer, learn to swim at our pool, celebrate birthdays on campus, and participate in family events throughout the year," Santos said. "That's the DCH difference. We aren't simply providing a preschool experience. We are creating opportunities for families to become part of a larger community."

“There is a warmth and authenticity to DCH that is clear the second you step foot on campus,” said Katherine Rodman, a DCH Preschool parent. “Everyone, from the administration to the teachers to the maintenance team, knows you and deeply cares about every child. The expanded hours will provide that extra cushion to help ease the balance between work and parenting while preserving everything we love about the program.”

Summer Soirée Raises Nearly $35,000 for Community Impact

The organization also recently celebrated the success of its Summer Soirée fundraiser, which raised more than $35,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales and donations.

More than 100 community members, supporters, volunteers, board members, and friends gathered to celebrate the organization's mission and invest in its future.

Funds raised will support financial aid and scholarships, help preserve DCH's historic campus, strengthen community partnerships, and expand programs and services that benefit children, families, and individuals of all ages.

"The response from our community was incredible," Santos said. "The Summer Soirée demonstrated what makes DCH special. People believe in this organization, they believe in our mission, and they believe in creating opportunities for others. We are incredibly grateful for their support."

New Leadership Focused on Growth and Community Impact

These accomplishments come as Dedham Community House welcomes Ray Santos as Executive Director.

Santos brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in fundraising, operations, marketing, strategic planning, and community engagement. Since joining DCH, he has focused on strengthening enrollment, expanding partnerships, improving operational systems, and ensuring the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

"Dedham Community House has been bringing people together for more than a century," Santos said. "What impressed me most is the organization's ability to evolve while staying true to its mission. The preschool expansion, the success of the Summer Soirée, and the incredible support from our community all point to a bright future. There is tremendous momentum here, and I am excited about what comes next."

Founded in 1922, Dedham Community House serves thousands of individuals and families annually through preschool, camp, aquatics, family programs, community events, facility rentals, and partnerships with local organizations.

With expanded preschool services, growing community support, and renewed leadership, DCH continues to build on its legacy as one of the region's most vibrant community organizations.

About Dedham Community House

Founded in 1922, Dedham Community House is a nonprofit community center dedicated to strengthening community through education, recreation, enrichment, and connection. Located on a historic 7.5-acre campus along the Charles River, DCH serves children, families, and individuals of all ages through preschool, camp, aquatics, family programs, community events, and community partnerships.