Mobile Food Bank
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Preschool
Preschool in Berkshire County at Kittredge Elementary School
At Kittredge Elementary, a part of the Central Berkshire Regional School District, the CRA offers a nurturing and engaging state-licensed preschool program designed to foster early childhood education for children ages 2 years 9 months to 5 years old. Located in the heart of Berkshire County, we proudly serve families from the surrounding areas, including Pittsfield, Hinsdale, and other towns in Western Massachusetts. Our program emphasizes play-based learning, preparing children for kindergarten while offering a warm, community-focused environment.
Our program runs multiple open houses throughout the school year where perspective children and guardians can meet our teachers, see the room, and meet our amazing preschool community. Check our Events Calendar to see if we have one coming up. Individual tours are also an option upon request.
Upcoming Events
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About the Preschool Program at Kittredge
Our preschool program provides a unique and enriching early education experience tailored to young children in Berkshire County with a well-rounded curriculum, focusing on all aspects of child development: cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.
Children participate in a variety of engaging activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor play, early literacy, math exploration, and more. We believe in fostering independence, creativity, and curiosity through play-based learning and hands-on experiences.
Meet Our Team
Misty Robitaille
Lead Preschool Teacher
mrobitaille@daltoncra.org
413-961-9775
Our Lead Preschool Teacher, Misty, brings over 15 years of experience and a big heart for helping kids learn through play. She’s passionate about creating a warm, welcoming classroom where every child can grow, explore, and have fun.
Favorite Color: Any shade of pink
Snack: Beef Jerky
Holiday: Halloween
Rebecca Steele
Program Manager
rsteele@daltoncra.org
Becky leads our child care programs with a strong background in education and 8 years of hands-on experience. A former teacher in the Central Berkshire School District, Becky is dedicated to providing a caring and supportive environment for all the children and families we serve.
Favorite Color: Pink
Snack: Mint Oreos
Holiday: Thanksgiving
Taylor Vreeland
Administrative Director
tvreeland@daltoncra.org
Taylor helps families with onboarding and provides both administrative support and classroom assistance as a qualified substitute teacher with 7 years of EEC experience. Her dedication help create a welcoming, organized environment for the preschool community.
Favorite Color: Green
Snack: Dark chocolate
Holiday: Christmas
The Learning Environment
Classrooms
Our classrooms are designed to be safe, welcoming, and filled with enriching materials that inspire imagination and exploration. Our dedicated teachers work closely with each preschooler, ensuring that all children feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum is designed to prepare children for future learning while promoting emotional intelligence and social skills. We focus on pre-kindergarten skills, such as early literacy, numeracy, motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Our program also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with peers and teachers, fostering a sense of community among preschoolers.
Community Involvement
We pride ourselves on being an active part of the local community, partnering with schools and organizations to support the educational and developmental needs of children. Our preschool program hosts community events and engages in local projects, making learning more relevant and meaningful for our students.
Allergy Awareness
We understand that food allergies are a top concern for many parents. At Kittredge Elementary, we work diligently to ensure that all food served meets allergy requirements, offering a safe environment for children with dietary needs.
Program Cost
5 Full Days – $200/week
4 Full Days – $180/week
3 Full Days – $135/week
Financial Assistance
The CRA is committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial constraints. With this in mind, we offer scholarships to individuals, couples, and families who may otherwise find it difficult to afford the cost of our programs and/or memberships.
Don't Wait! To Register or Inquire About Our Preschool Program
Thank you for your interest in our preschool program! We’re excited to help you learn more about the opportunities we offer for your child. Please fill out the form below to provide us with some basic information. Afterward, we’ll reach out to schedule a phone call and give you a personalized tour of our facilities.
Our Preschool
Kittredge Elementary School
80 Maple St, Hinsdale, MA:
Get Directions
Drop Off: 8:45am
Pick Up: 2:45pm
Location: Front of the Kittredge Elementary School building
413-961-9775
Why Choose Us?
- Play-Based Learning: Our preschool program centers around play-based learning, where children explore, discover, and grow through hands-on experiences.
- Highly Qualified Teachers: Our staff consists of experienced preschool teachers who are passionate about early childhood education.
- Kindergarten Preparation: We help children build the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten, including early literacy, social skills, and problem-solving.
- Warm Community: Kittredge Elementary School fosters a close-knit community where children feel valued and supported.
Parent Planning Resources
- Our program follows the Central Berkshire Regional School District School Calendar
- School starts the Tuesday following Labor Day and ends the second Friday in June.
- The preschool program does not follow half days and is open during normal hours.
Educational Concepts
Our preschool classroom follows the curriculum from Teaching Strategies, the same curriculum used in the Central Berkshire School District, ensuring a high-quality, consistent educational experience. Our approach integrates key principles of early childhood education to support development in areas like language, problem-solving, and creativity. Through our preschool curriculum, we also incorporate STEM activities and focus on social-emotional learning.
Our Teachers
All our teachers are dedicated professionals with extensive experience in early childhood education. They are fully qualified through Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) to teach preschool-age children and are committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for every preschooler.
Daily Class Schedule
Our preschool schedule is designed to provide students with a routine while offering diverse opportunities to engage in all areas of learning. Incorporating a balanced mix of structured activities and free play, children develop essential skills, including language, cognitive development, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
Morning
8:45am – Arrival
9:00am – Read Aloud
9:15am – Group Activity
10:00am – Snack
10:15am – Morning Recess
10:45am – Morning Circle
11:00am – Centers
11:45am – Lunch
Afternoon
12:15pm – Rest
1:00pm – Wake Up
1:15pm – Snack
1:30pm – Afternoon Recess
2:00pm – Afternoon Meeting
2:15pm – Centers
2:40pm – Pack Up
2:45pm – Dismissal
FAQ
Our preschool program is designed for children aged 2 years 9 months – 5 years old.
Yes, the CRA Preschool Program at Kittredge Elementary School is licensed by the department of Massachusetts Early Education and Care.
Yes! We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate. Financial aid is available for families in need. Learn More.
Anyone can join our community!
Community Recreation Association (CRA)
400 Main St, Dalton, MA:
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The Community Recreation Association’s (CRA) Preschool of Western Massachusetts is conveniently located in Central Berkshire County, making it an ideal choice for families in Pittsfield and neighboring towns.
Beyond preschool, the CRA is a cornerstone of the Berkshire County community, offering a wide range of programs and amenities—including a pool, gym, and fitness center—that promote an active and healthy lifestyle right in the heart of the region. By fostering a strong sense of community and connection, the CRA has become a vital resource for residents of Pittsfield, Dalton, and the surrounding towns.
Our diverse recreational offerings—ranging from youth sports and swim lessons to group fitness classes and senior programs—ensure that there’s something for everyone at the CRA.
