BRPC to Present Draft Safety Action Plan

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal funding program is bringing resources to Berkshire County to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads, with the goal of reaching zero.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) has been developing the STEPS Initiative: the Safe Travel and Equity Plan for our Streets and will be releasing the draft Action Plan for public review and comment on Nov. 4, 2024.

Earlier this year, BRPC, along with their consultation partners at BETA Group Inc., began the development process of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan with public meetings, an online survey, municipal stakeholder interviews, and a comprehensive review of regional crash data. The draft report of safety recommendations based on these findings will be available for public review and comment beginning Nov. 4. An executive summary is available now at https://www.berkshiresteps.org/.

An input session presenting the draft plan and inviting comments will be held at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), 45 Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6:00pm. The comment period runs for 28 days from Nov. 4 through Dec. 2.

The meeting will be in a hybrid format. Zoom pre-registration is required to attend online and may be done at berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/ss4a/. No sign-up is required to attend the meeting in person at the BIC. Language and accessibility services can be provided at the meeting with 7 days advance notice by emailing nrusso@berkshireplanning.org or calling (413) 442-1521 extension 19.

At the meeting, the planning team will present background information, describe the need for this study, and present data gathered over the course of plan development. The team will then review recommendations for future transportation safety projects and programs to address the concerns identified. Berkshire County residents are invited to review the draft report and provide feedback during the comment window from Nov. 4 through Dec. 2.


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BCC Wraps Up First Cohort of Paraprofessional Educators Class

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) recently celebrated the graduation of its first-ever cohort of Paraprofessional Educators, also known as "para educators." 
 
Six participants completed the six-week program in late November, with three already securing employment in local educational institutions and the remaining three awaiting responses to their applications.
 
Three of the graduates successfully passed the ParaPro final exam, earning the industry-recognized ParaPro credential.
 
"It's always exciting when a new program debuts at BCC, but it's even more exciting when that program is such a success right out of the gate," said Linda Clairmont, Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education. "We're thrilled to be able to help people earn new credentials, build self-confidence, and fill an urgent workforce need in the Berkshires."
 
Para educators provide support to teachers in the classroom. BCC's program covers instructional techniques, classroom management, child development, special education, and effective communication strategies. Graduates are prepared to assist in delivering educational content, support students individually or in small groups, and help manage classroom behavior, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment in public or private K-12 schools.
 
The Paraprofessional Educators course is entry-level, requiring no prerequisites. Students must be 18 years or older and hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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