HISTORICAL FACTS

In 1969, Child Development
Specialist Linda Mills went in search
of a preschool for her son.  She was
looking for a program that would
focus on the development of the
whole child, socially, emotionally,
intellectually and physically.  Unable
to find a school addressing all of
these needs, she and five other
women set out to establish their own
program.  The school, known as
Temple Beth Sholom Nursery School,
began with a group of 12 students.  

The philosophy of the school was one of learning through play.  With a
discovery- based curriculum and low teacher to child ratio, the staff would
take direction from the children’s needs and interests.  Teachers viewed
children as separate individuals, helping them to develop to their greatest
potential as independent, enthusiastic learners.  An open structured
environment enabled children to make choices in process-oriented
programs and encouraged development of creative energies.  The goal was
to develop self-esteem through sharing and exploration in a loving, safe
and nurturing environment with classes celebrating the joys of life,
highlighting the seasons of the year rather than specific holidays.  

In June of 1997, the town of Framingham through Framingham Community
Partnership for Children invited us to participate in a National Accreditation
Training Program.  Always striving to improve our program, this offer was
embraced with open arms and training began the following September.

In l998 a name change was presented to the Parent Board, incorporation
papers were filed, and we officially became Circle of Friends Preschool. As
the year progressed, it became apparent that we would have to find a new
location. Several options were brought to our attention, the most
appealing located at 61 Nicholas Road.  By enhancing our program, adding
a Children’s Center for infants and toddlers, and offering a full day option,
we could go forward.  Staff and parents painted walls and moved furniture
in a Herculean effort to ensure that Circle of Friends Preschool and Children’
s Center was up and running by June of l999.

Currently, Infant and Toddler part time and full day programs are thriving,
and preschool morning, and full day classes have limited openings.  The
program has been accredited by the National  Association For the
Education of Young Children since May, 2000.  We pride ourselves in
having an incredible staff and a program that is challenging and fun for
children and flexible for all families.     

Throughout the years we have been very fortunate to have parents and
staff extremely committed to the success of our program.  Since it’s
inception, Circle of Friends has followed the same philosophy and guidelines
developed in 1969.  This is a fact that we are extremely proud of.   We will
always be indebted to those who have gone before us and those that will
continue after us, making Circle of Friends Preschool and Children’s Center  
a wondrous and inspiring place to be.


Carola Girvan, Director
9/07