Supporting children and families: Promoting health and wellness, development, and individual & family goals.

UCP of Western Massachusetts offers a wide range of programs tailored to support children of all ages in meeting their developmental needs, helping them grow, learn, and gain independence. We take a family-centered approach, ensuring caregivers understand and can navigate their child’s needs.

Many children with complex medical conditions are referred to our programs through strong partnerships with leading healthcare providers, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and local pediatricians following hospital discharge. Our clinicians work closely with these medical teams, adhering to their recommendations while providing coordinated, high-quality follow-up care in the home.

Northern Berkshire Early Intervention Program

UCP’s Early Intervention Program provides family-centered, therapeutic, developmental services to children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays. Services are delivered in the child’s natural environment and focus on supporting growth in self-care skills, communication, motor, social-emotional, and cognitive development. Our team partners closely with families to build skills, confidence, and strategies that support their child’s success in daily routines. This program serves families throughout Northern Berkshire County and emphasizes early support to promote long-term positive outcomes.

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention & ABA Program Services

UCP’s Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) and ABA Program provides evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome. Services focus on developing communication, social, play, and adaptive living skills while reducing barriers to learning. Our clinical team works closely with families to ensure consistency between therapy and home environments to support meaningful progress. The program serves eligible children under age three and continues services after transition from Early Intervention for families residing in Berkshire County.

Social Sprouts After-School Program

UCP’s Social Sprouts After-School Program offers a supportive and engaging environment where young children can build social skills through structured play and guided activities. The program focuses on developing communication, cooperation, emotional regulation, and peer interaction skills in a fun and nurturing setting. Children benefit from small group activities designed to encourage friendships, confidence, and independence. Social Sprouts is open to children aged 3 to 6 living in Northern Berkshire County who can benefit from additional social learning opportunities.

Autism Waiver Program

The Autism Waiver Program, facilitated through Autism Connections, provides families with access to information, resources, workshops, and community-based supports to help children with autism build skills and make meaningful progress. UCP of Western Massachusetts serves as a provider within this program, offering up to three years of intensive in-home services such as Expanded Habilitation, education, and therapeutic supports including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Floor Time. Following this period, children may be eligible for ongoing Supplemental Services—such as respite and individualized supports—through their 10th birthday to assist with continued growth and transition. To qualify, children must have a diagnosis of autism, be eligible for services through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, and meet income-based criteria. UCP supports families by notifying them of open enrollment periods and assisting with the application process