Berkshire Community College

Berkshire Community College strives to place higher education within reach of all residents of Berkshire County and beyond. The Early Childhood Education Program offers two certificates (Introductory and Intermediate) and two degrees (Associate in Science and Associate in Arts). The program is assisting new students wishing to gain their two years of college courses and then transfer to a four year school, and students who are already working in the field who need to establish their pathway to completion of a degree.

Highlights:

Since BCC offers on-line courses, courses at the Pittsfield Campus as well as courses at the Great Barrington Campus there are choices for students who want to pursue their degree. BCC aligns courses with the MADOEEC and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Programs:

Berkshire Community College offers:

  • Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Associate in Science, Liberal Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Introductory Certificate in Early Childhood Education - is the first step in a career ladder leading to greater qualifications for woek with young children. With the experience provided in the practicum, those completing this certificate will be ready to apply for Teacher qualification through the MA Department of Early Education and Care.
  • Intermediate Certificate in Early childhood Education - is a second rung in the Early Childhood Education career ladder, following completion of the Introductory Certificate or equivalent. This certificate, together with nine months additional experience in the field, prepares people to pursue Lead Teacher qualification through the MA Department of Early Education and Care. The required ECE-courses will be offered in the evening in rotation.

Resources available:

The mission of BCC is to remove economic barriers for students attending BCC so that they can focus on their studies and achieve their academic and career goals. Financial aid can make all the difference to their academic success, and we want to help them succeed. Each year more than 1,800 students receive an average award of $5,000. to attend BCC.