Changes Coming To BLOCKS Preschool Program; High School BLOCKS To Be Eliminated in 2024-25

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FRAMINGHAM – Framingham Public Schools announced several changes to its BLOCKS Preschool program today, December 1.

The following changes are scheduled to take place beginning the 2023-24 school year:

Criteria for enrollment in the District’s tuition-based seats for new students will be as follows:

• Only Framingham residents can apply*

• Priority enrollment for Pre-K students and limited enrollment for 3 year old students

• Additional openings for students who qualify under Partnerships for Early Learners (PEL) Program

The district said the changes are due to plans to expand PreK in the district.

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Framingham Public Schools has a long term goal of expanding our Pre-K programs for all Framingham children who are one year prior to Kindergarten or 4 years of age by August 31st of that school year.

This goal and initiative began with our Partnerships for Early Learners (PEL) Program in February 2020 and will continue to grow each year with our community partners as well as at the BLOCKS Preschool Program located at the Juniper Hill School, said Rosie Alvarez, Director of the BLOCKS Preschool & Early Childhood Education.

As stated by our Superintendent, Dr. Tremblay, “The district is prioritizing the needs of Framingham children at the core of our early childhood expansion efforts with a vision toward universal, tuition-free Pre-K as a jumpstart to Kindergarten.”

*This will not affect non-resident students who are presently enrolled at BLOCKS Preschool or at the FHS Childcare Program as these students will be considered “pre-approved” for one year only for the 23-24 school year.

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In the 2024-2025 School Year, new changes include:

Only Framingham residents will be able to apply for the BLOCKS Program at Juniper Hill

There will no longer be a BLOCKS Preschool classroom at Framingham High School

Pre-K special education students whose IEP requires a classroom based placement will be provided a school day program

Half day programs will continue to be available for our preschool age students

Students will continue to enroll in BLOCKS as typical peers for our inclusive preschool classrooms which includes students with and without disabilities

Language opportunities will continue to be reviewed and supported throughout our Pre-K Expansion efforts.

“We realize that these changes may impact future plans for our families and therefore wanted to inform you so you could plan accordingly. As always, thank you for sharing your children with us,” wrote Alvarez in an email.