Childcare & Pre-K/Preschool

NOTE: Exciting news! Our Pittsfield Branch location is undergoing a $3.4M renovation to create a BRAND NEW CHILD CARE WING and add 25 slots, 16 of those for Infants and Toddlers. While under construction, our program is able to accommodate the same age ranges of children at our Lenox site or Taconic PreK site. Please review those program details in the other sections of the page.

BFYMCA’s Pittsfield Branch child care is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care for children 1 month to pre-kindergarten. NAEYC is a national, voluntary accreditation system that sets high standards for early childhood education programs. Programs include: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten programs. Snack is provided in the morning and afternoon. Full-time slots are available, with a two-day minimum requirement.

We offer financial scholarships to those who qualify and accept vouchers.

INFANT PROGRAM

The infant room was created for our youngest and most treasured little ones. This is an environment that is designed for babies between the ages of 1 month to 15 months old and is licensed for 7 infants with 2 trained childcare providers. The room possesses a lovely arrangement of childhood toys, accessories, as well as 7 classical cribs.

TODDLER PROGRAM

The toddler room is available for children from the age of 15 months to 2 years and 9 months. This space is available for up to 18 toddlers and staffed with 5 qualified teachers.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

The two preschool rooms include the transitional classroom and preschool classroom, each licensed with two teachers. The transitional classroom includes children who are 2 years 9 months and older. The 3-year-old classroom is designed for children to learn through hands on activities. Preschool children take part in weekly half-hour swimming lessons as part of their tuition.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

The pre-kindergarten program is licensed for 18 children with a staff of 2 teachers. This program is designed for children prior to the year they enter kindergarten. The room is designed for a variety of interest centers. Emphasis is put on kindergarten readiness skills. The curriculum emphasizes pre-reading, pre-writing and pre-math skills.

Program Time:

Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. year round

Two days per week minimum.

Program Location:

Berkshire Family YMCA, 292 North Street

Program Ages:

1 month – PreK

Ready to talk to someone about Child Care at the Y? Visit Contact Us to decide who best to call.

The Northern Berkshire Branch’s full day Childcare program in the Koala and Panda Preschool Rooms is licensed by The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) for children ages 15 months through 5 years old. The Koala classroom is for older children close to entering kindergarten, and the Panda classroom is for younger children. We hire only caring staff and maintain a ratio of 1 staff member to 10 children. Care is available for two days, three days or five days. We offer financial scholarships to those who qualify and accept vouchers. Our Childcare is designed to help your child prepare for kindergarten through a variety of interest/learning centers. Our certified staff is invested in helping your preschooler grow. We emphasize socialization skills, preschool readiness skills and physical exercise. Our Program includes: Nutritious hot lunch Swimming twice each week, which includes one swim lesson weekly by our certified swim instructor and one session of free play Caring staff who are certified through the EEC Preschool readiness skills Transportation to and from the Johnson School for its afternoon session Financial assistance available to those who qualify We accept New England Farm Workers’ Council Due to recent events, our preschool classrooms are locked for children’s safety.

Ready to talk to someone about Child Care at the Y? Visit Contact Us to decide who best to call.