About Us
Founded in 1971, Franklin Children’s School, Inc. solely exists to meet the pre-school educational needs of Franklin area families. Our school is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts and our purpose and mission is to offer a program of early childhood education and childcare that is of benefit to the child, the parents/guardians, and the community. FCS is committed to providing a nurturing and caring learning environment, which helps the children develop socially, intellectually, and emotionally in a manner that is appropriate for their age and stage of development.
Our practice is one of complete non-discrimination in regard to race, religion, color, gender, handicap, age, disability, or national origin. Every attempt is made to include a multi-cultural awareness in our curriculum.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of education at FCS is the Developmental Approach. It is our belief that children learn through a direct, hands-on exploration of their entire environment. We believe each childs individual social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs are met in an open, child-directed setting where various levels of learning can occur simultaneously. By learning through personal experience, we believe a child gains self-esteem, initiative, and independence. Because we believe in varying levels of progression in children, we have created environments to meet such individual needs. Our classrooms are set up with a wide variety of centers. Each center produces many different learning experiences. It all depends upon how each individual child perceives what they are learning. We incorporate the following learning centers throughout the school year: science, social studies, math, art, dramatic play, music, literature, fine and gross motor activities.
What To Expect
A high-quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. At Franklin Children's School, you will see:
Frequent, positive, warm interactions among adults and children
Planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as block building, painting, reading stories, dress-up, and active outdoor play
Specially trained teachers
Enough adults to respond to individual children
Many varied age-appropriate materials
A healthy and safe environment for children
Nutritious meals and/or snacks
Regular communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times
Effective administration
Ongoing, systematic evaluation
Parental Involvement
FCS encourages parental involvement. We want to make you an integral part of your child’s first early childhood experience. We encourage your support, ideas, and time spent with us to accomplish a complete, positive experience. We hope, through our combined efforts, we will foster a happy and healthy future for your child. There are many areas in which we encourage you to become involved:
FCS periodically offers discussion groups with guest speakers on such topics as separation anxiety, behavior management and family issues
Referral services and informal counseling
Special social events for the whole family
Our Board of Directors is open by application to the parent community
Parents are always welcome to volunteer in their child's classroom
Our Staff
Michele Kane is the Director of Franklin Children's School. She has a degree in Psychology and Education from Westfield State University. Her teaching career began at Franklin Children's School in 2013. Michele has additional experience at an Early Intervention Program as a developmental specialist, childcare centers and is a mom to a 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son who both attended Franklin Children's School.
In addition, Franklin Children's School has a staff of highly qualified teachers. The teachers at Franklin Children's School are dedicated to providing a nurturing, positive, and fun school experience for the children. The FCS staff are professionals in the field of childhood education. They are fully trained in child development, continuously updating their training at conferences, workshops and at college level courses. They are loving and caring professionals who foster independence for each child in the classroom. The staff has an average of 16 years of early childhood experience and an average tenure of 14 years with Franklin Children's School and some have been with us for over 25 years.
The school has a Board of Directors who are made up of school parents and individuals from the community. Their responsibilities are as follows:
Interpret and uphold by-laws
Formulate and uphold school policy
Demonstrate support of school's curriculum and programs
Review and approve annual budget
Ensure annual auditing of financial records
Become continually apprised of enrollment and state regulations
Establish committees for financial, fundraising, and the growth and development of the school
Strive for continuous improved communication and the establishment and growth of an open, supportive, and cooperative relationship between home, school, parents/guardians, teachers, and community.
Establish committees of volunteer parents (non-BOD members) to assist with these responsibilities, as needed.
Our Board of Directors
More Information
Family Handbook
This book provides you with important and useful information. It also hopes to answer any frequently asked questions.
Directions
Check out this map to see where we are and how you can get there!
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Accreditation
FCS licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). EEC is under the supervision and control of the Board of Early Education and Care, which has ten members appointed by the Governor.
