ENROLLMENT
How to apply for Head Start Services
Get answers to your questions about the steps to enroll your child in BCHS.
Does my family qualify for Berkshire County Head Start?
Berkshire County Head Start accepts different forms of payment from families. Read below to find out if you can get help paying for childcare.
1. Your family qualifies for the free Head Start morning program based on your household income. Check your eligibility here to see if your family qualifies.
2. Families who receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP), and those with children in foster care or children who are homeless, also qualify for the Head Start morning program regardless of income.
3. BCHS accepts vouchers through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. To apply for a voucher, please reach out to Seven Hills Foundation. Note that while BCHS accepts these vouchers, we do not distribute them.
What are the program options I can choose from?
Berkshire County Head Start services are delivered in a variety of settings, sometimes referred to as “options.” See below to find out which program option meets your family’s need.
Center-Base
Our center-based program takes place in child development centers. You have the option to choose between full-day or morning only.
The Resources to Empower and Advocate for Children and Households (REACH) program is intended to be a bridge for families who do not have help paying for childcare and need help transitioning onto sustainable childcare funding.
Our A.C.E. Space program is designed to help families get ready for a full-day childcare center, but are not quite ready yet. This program includes bi-weekly home visits and twice-weekly in-program sessions.
Home-Base
Our home visiting program centers on helping the child learn using parent-child interactions, daily routines, and household materials right in your home! This includes weekly visits with your home-based visitor and monthly socializations for parents and children to gather as a group.
When you are ready to apply, fill out the form below and call us with any questions at 413-499-0137.
Our application is also available to download in the following languages:
I submitted my application! Now what?!
Once you submit your application, the BCHS team will review it to ensure all necessary information is provided. If additional details are needed, a staff member will reach out to you. Complete applications are added to our enrollment “pool.” Each week, the enrollment team evaluates the pool using a prioritization system to determine which children should be enrolled first, based on family needs. If your child is accepted into the program, they will be assigned to a classroom, and a Family Advocate will contact you to arrange an intake meeting. If we are unable to place your child immediately, they will be added to our waiting list. Applications on the waitlist are reviewed weekly as openings become available.
Have questions on the status of your application? Please fill out the form below or call 413-499-0137.
1 Meadow Lane
Pittsfield, Ma 01201
413-499-0137
