Early Childhood Development

Help us prepare children for kindergarten and improve reading proficiency by 3rd grade.

Experts recognize that third grade marks the point where children shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Those struggling to read by third grade fall behind their peers, have a higher risk of not graduating high school, and encounter limited opportunities for employment.

In Berkshire County, this must be a goal for all of us – whether or not we have young children – because the success of our youth affects our economy, crime rates, workforce, good citizenry, and more.

We invest in quality early learning environments that are rooted in early childhood development, providing intensive parenting support, building social-emotional and literacy skills, and assisting with early grade reading.

Achievements & Methods

Early Childhood Impact Council

Parenting Young Children

Programs You Help Us Fund

18 Degrees
Early Education and Care

Berkshire County Head Start
Child Development Program

Berkshire County Kids Place & Violence Prevention Center
Trauma Recovery Program

Berkshire Hills Regional School District
Project Connection at Muddy Brook Elementary

Berkshire Nursing Families
Central & South Berkshire County Lactation Support

Berkshire South Regional Community Center
Action Adventures Out of School
Action Adventures Day Camp
Sunshine Preschool

Child Care of the Berkshires
Child Care Services
Healthy Families
ParentChild+

Community Health Programs
Care Coordination Program at Berkshire Pediatrics
ParentChild+

Dalton Community Recreation Association
Kids Club After School Program
Summer Camp

Elizabeth Freeman Center
Child Safe Child Strong Program

Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center
Early Childhood Education

Lee Public Schools
Expressive Arts

Lee Youth Association
Busy Bee Learning Center

Pediatric Development Center
PAL Play and Learn
South County Early Intervention

Early Childhood Educational Resources

Wee Read

Follow Wee Read Pittsfield on Facebook for educational and fun tips, events, and programs.

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Filling a book house

"Take a book, leave a book"

Locate a Book House near you

Berkshire Book Houses throughout Berkshire County give children free access to books 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Explore the Born Learning Trail

The Born Learning Trail is a series of interactive signs for families and caregivers to provide fun physical activities that encourage outdoor learning. 

Have questions?

Contact Katherine von Haefen, Director of Community Impact, at 413.442.6948 x20 or kvonhaefen@berkshireunitedway.org.