Preschool taking applications

The Francis X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center, a preschool program operated by the town’s public schools and designed for children 3 to 5 years old, is accepting applications for next fall. The center will be hosting open houses on Jan. 12 and 17 from 4 to 5 p.m. for parents considering sending their children to the preschool. To be eligible, children must live in Franklin and be 3 years old by Aug. 31. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 4; because there are generally more applications than openings, school officials have scheduled a lottery for Feb. 10. Applications can be obtained online at www.franklin.k12.ma.us, or at the O’Regan center, 224 Oak St. For more information, call 508-541-8166, ext. 2938.