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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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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