Berkshire South Opens Toddler Childcare Program to Meet Community Need

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center has officially opened a new EEC-Licensed Toddler Care program, expanding access to early childhood education and care for families in the southern Berkshires.
 
The new state-licensed program serves children ages 15 to 33 months and was created in response to a growing shortage of infant and toddler childcare options in the region. Even before opening, the program generated strong interest from local families and quickly established a waitlist.
 
According to a press release, across Berkshire County and throughout Massachusetts, families continue to face limited childcare availability, long waitlists, and rising costs. Berkshire South developed the Toddler Care program to help address this community need while supporting working families and strengthening long-term community well-being.
 
"We knew we needed to respond to the critical need for early childhood care in southern Berkshire County," said Jenise Lucey, Executive Director at Berkshire South. "It's one more way we can support families, strengthen connections, and build a healthier, more resilient community."
 
The year-round program operates Monday through Friday and is staffed by certified early childhood educators. The curriculum emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, individualized attention, and consistent routines that help young children build confidence and curiosity in a nurturing environment. The program is peanut and tree nut-free and can accommodate additional food allergies.
 
The launch builds on Berkshire South's broader commitment to children, youth, and families through programs including Sunshine Preschool, Out-of-School childcare, school vacation programs, and summer day camp.
 
Toddler Care families also receive Berkshire South membership benefits and discounts on many youth and family programs. Financial assistance is also available.
 
For more information visit berkshiresouth.org/toddlercare.
 
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Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Some 55 Avangrid/Berkshire Gas employees spent the day sawing, hammering and painting at Prosperity Way.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Prosperity Way was founded on the dream of creating an affordable neighborhood where local working families can own a home, build a future, and create lasting memories. Soon, that vision will become reality as homeowners begin moving in.
 
Nearly a year ago, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its three-phase affordable housing project. Now, volunteers are putting the final touches on the six homes and have already begun phase two. 
 
"One of the homeowners is closing on her house tomorrow, so she's moving in this weekend, and then the other family is moving in next week," said Habitat CEO Carolyn Valli. 
 
During Phase 2, seven additional homes will be built, the first modular ranch for that phase has been set, and the stick-built ranch is currently in construction. There are two additional ranches on site, to be set once foundations are cured and two colonial homes are scheduled for delivery on Monday, she said. 
 
Phase 3 will have the construction of another seven homes. Central Berkshire Habitat hopes to finish the project before 2028, dependent on securing sufficient grant funding to bridge the gap between construction costs and affordable sale prices, Valli said. 
 
Energy ran high on Thursday, as more than than 50 employee volunteers from Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., spent the day helping move the project forward through painting, landscaping, and construction work.
 
"We are an energy company in all aspects. We generate wind energy, we have electric utilities and gas utilities, and this crew is demonstrating their energy for a good cause today to support home building for folks who might otherwise never be able to afford a home," said Chris Farrell, Berkshire Gas' communications and government relations manager. 
 
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