BCC Offers Para Educator Training this Fall

07:51AM / Wednesday, July 02, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a six-week Para Educator Training course this fall, beginning September 8 and concluding October 17, 2025.

Classes will be held at BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (final week Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Students will gain hands-on support from experienced mentors and receive career preparation and job placement support. Graduates will earn the industry-recognized ParaPro credential and be prepared to work as paraprofessionals in a public or private K-12 education setting

Para educators play a vital role in supporting teachers in the classroom. Becoming a para educator is a great first step toward a meaningful career in the field of education. The BCC Para Educator program covers areas such as instructional techniques, classroom management, child development, special education and effective communication strategies. Participants learn how to assist in the delivery of educational content, provide one-on-one or small group support to students and help manage classroom behavior. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to work as effective, compassionate para educators, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. This is an entry-level course with no prerequisites.

For more information email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-2115.

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ServiceNet Hopes to Open Pittsfield Warming Center in Nov.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A warming center is again planned in the First United Methodist Church for the cold months.

During last week's Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting, Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, reported that they hope to begin operating the nighttime center in mid-November.

It would operate from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the church, which abuts The Pearl shelter. Forbush said the warming center would be the same program as in the past.

"Again it's a warming center, so there's no cots or beds, but it is certainly a place to come in, and we'll have a hot coffee or cocoa ready for folks," she explained.

"It will be a place to be inside and warm."

This year, ServiceNet hopes to secure full funding from the state so the warming center can open on Sundays at 5 p.m. In years past, they found that Sunday is the most challenging day for unhoused individuals because many community spaces aren't open.

The First Housing Resource Center, managed by Hearthway, opened earlier this year as a low-barrier option for people to rest and access amenities. It is open seven days a week, and Forbush said if people could come to the warming center on Sundays at 5, there would be a fuller day of coverage.

"It does still leave a little gap for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as spaces like the library close at five, but we know that Sundays were something that people were looking for," she said.

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