BCC Offers Para Educator Training this Fall

07:51AM / Wednesday, July 02, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a six-week Para Educator Training course this fall, beginning September 8 and concluding October 17, 2025.

Classes will be held at BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (final week Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Students will gain hands-on support from experienced mentors and receive career preparation and job placement support. Graduates will earn the industry-recognized ParaPro credential and be prepared to work as paraprofessionals in a public or private K-12 education setting

Para educators play a vital role in supporting teachers in the classroom. Becoming a para educator is a great first step toward a meaningful career in the field of education. The BCC Para Educator program covers areas such as instructional techniques, classroom management, child development, special education and effective communication strategies. Participants learn how to assist in the delivery of educational content, provide one-on-one or small group support to students and help manage classroom behavior. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to work as effective, compassionate para educators, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. This is an entry-level course with no prerequisites.

For more information email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-2115.

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Hinsdale Considers Switching Dispatch Centers Amid Response Time Concerns

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:12AM / Monday, August 24, 2026

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has experienced longer emergency response times since the Dalton Police Department suspended its mutual aid agreement with Hinsdale. Now, Hinsdale is considering suspending its use of Dalton's Communication Center.

During the Hinsdale Select Board meeting on Aug. 12, board member Margaret Gregory raised concerns about the department's response times, recounting an incident the previous Sunday when she called police at about 9:51 p.m. but did not see a state trooper arrive until approximately 10:45 p.m.

"We're here to protect the town and make sure we're getting the aid that we need. That did not happen," she said in a follow-up with the media.

Now word has gotten to Dalton that Hinsdale's department has requested to withdraw from the Dalton Communication Center and use the Berkshire Regional Emergency Communications Center instead.

Dalton Town Manager Eric Anderson informed Dalton's Select Board that he heard indirectly from the state's communications center of Hinsdale's request and that there will be a meeting with the E911 system and all parties sometime later in September.

In order for Hinsdale to switch to the state call center, the town would have to obtain funding to ensure the town's equipment works with the state's.

During Hinsdale's August meeting, Gregory told Peru Police Chief Bruce Cullett that she is concerned with how Dalton's dispatch is relaying information to the state, citing that calls from multiple people about shots fired shouldn't be an hour wait.

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