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Historical Facts
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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 1998 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 1999.
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
an 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.
Cara Chase, Director
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