CHILD CARE, PRE-K AND AFTER SCHOOL
Safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and develop social skills so that when children aren’t in the care of their parents, they’re still with people committed to their well-being.
The Berkshire Family YMCA Massachusetts programs are licensed through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Parents have the right to contact EEC for information regarding compliance history. The telephone number and address for EEC is:
Department of Early Education and Care
95 Liberty St. | Suite 1124
Springfield, MA 01103
413-788-8401 ext. 21543
Ready to talk to someone about Child Care at the Y? Visit Contact Us to decide who best to call.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The childcare philosophy and curriculum at Berkshire Family YMCA is guided by an understanding of children’s individual differences and developmental needs. Our aim is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of our families and staff. The environment is prepared to encourage children to learn through active exploration with developmentally appropriate materials and interaction with other children and adults.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Berkshire Family YMCA has two branches in Berkshire County, MA – Pittsfield and Northern Berkshire - established for the purpose of educating local children and providing services for their families. We serve a cross-section of the local population of children starting at the age of 1 month through Kindergarten, as well as before and after school activities for children up to age 14. We strive to create a community atmosphere wherein everyone does their part.
The goal of our Center is to provide an atmosphere that encourages creativity and imagination. We seek to provide an education and an environment in which each child can grow. Children will be challenged to become independent thinkers with ideas of their own and will also be directly taught self-help skills that will promote their feelings of self-esteem. We believe that a child will thrive if placed in a setting which is loving, caring, cheerful, challenging and which reinforces a positive self (and group) image.
As a YMCA, we recognize our position as a resource for the families we serve. We offer a school year program, summer camp programs, community get-togethers and fundraisers throughout the year and at all times are willing to offer referral services to the best of our ability for additional services a child or family might need.
As a Center, we welcome and encourage diversity. We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, political beliefs, marital status, disability, national origin or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws. Although consideration is given to siblings of enrolled children, admission to the Berkshire Family YMCA childcare program is based solely on the availability of space for a given age group. The Center will provide open access to all children and families seeking services on a first come first serve basis until capacity is reached.
INTAKE AND ENROLLMENT
Parents interested in learning more about the program may schedule a visit with the Child Care Director. Children are welcome to join their parents at this time. The visitors will be allowed to tour the rooms, meet the teachers and other children. They will be given a brief overview of a typical day and asked if they have any questions. The child care handbook is currently being updated. Please request a copy from the Child Care Manager.
ADMISSION
If classroom space is available, a child may be enrolled as soon as the completed packet and appropriate fees have been submitted. The enrollment packet contains several required documents including authorization and consent forms, a developmental history and health form to be completed by the child’s doctor verifying that the child has been examined within the past year and is up to date on scheduled immunizations.
FEES
Please check back for updated fee schedules or contact us for current rates.
Additional Fees
There is a $25 holding fee for vacations. This fee must be paid before the actual vacation. Return check fee is $25.
VOUCHERS
New England Farm Workers' Council Voucher Child Care
141 North Street
Suite 106 - Lower Level
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 413-236-5890
You may be eligible for a Financial Scholarship for child care.
FREE YOUTH MEMBERSHIP!
Child care and school age participants receive a complimentary BFYMCA youth membership or 25% off a BFYMCA household membership. Register your child for swim lessons or sports at the member rate!
