about us
Our Program's mission:
We enhance opportunities for success by inspiring each child’s love of learning, partnering with families, advocating for equity, and fostering a connection to community.
Our Program's history:
Head Start was founded as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1965. Since then, Head Start has grown from an eight-week demonstration project to include full day/year services and numerous program options. Head Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories. Berkshire County Head Start (BCHS) was established in 1976, it is a comprehensive early childhood program providing education, health, and special education services to children and their families. We service all of Berkshire County with sites in Great Barrington, Lee, Becket, Pittsfield, and North Adams. Our programs are all QRIS Level 3 on the state Quality Rating and Improvement Scale.
What our program offers:
- Evidence based preschool curriculum to children ages 2.9 to 5 years old
- Nutritious breakfast and lunch (snack for children who stay full day)
- Transportation from designated bus stops
- Highly trained and dedicated teaching staff
- Family Advocates provide parent and family support through home visits and links to supports in the community where our families reside.
- Home visitor program - Home Based Visitors work with parents and families in their homes to identify and achieve family goals and to strengthen their roles as parents to support their child's development and education.
You are your child's first and most important teacher. Beginning with your first home visit, the Berkshire County Head Start team will strive to partner with you to engage in the program and promote school readiness.