 |
|
Broad-based social services are available, including transition and job coaching services, environmental education at Nolde Environmental Education Center, and alternatives to placement for students involved with the juvenile justice system.
Environmental Education at Nolde Environmental Education Center
The Berks County Environmental Education Consortium was established in 1988 to: (1) aid school districts in developing environmental education programs for students; (2) provide appropriate training for teachers to help meet state standards for environment and ecology; (3) promote communication among schools, teachers, and the Nolde Center that improve program services and networking.
The center provides ongoing programs related to Berks Junior and Senior Forums, PA Watershed Education, and an ongoing teacher training throughout the year. Additionally, there is a resource library of books and videos related to the Environmental/Ecology Standards. Field learning experiences are available for teachers who bring students to Nolde for hands-on activities.
contact: Tom Engelman
610-987-8512 ~ thoeng@berksiu.org
Homeless Children's Initiative
The main purpose of the Pennsylvania Homeless Children's Initiative is to make sure homeless youth have access to appropriate education while removing barriers that homeless children face. Its goal is to have the educational process continue as uninterrupted as possible while the children are in homeless situations.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit Homeless Student Program serves the 18 public school districts of Berks County, as well as schools in Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill Counties. The program offers homework assistance and educational and recreational experiences to preschool and school-age children living in local shelters. Countywide, the program provides school supplies, clothing, and assistance with arranging school transportation for homeless children. more
Contact: Beth Winterbottom
610-987-8509 ~ betwin@berksiu.org
Interagency Coordinator
An interagency representative from BCIU works with Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) members to encourage the cooperation of families, social service agencies, and school districts for the best prescription plan (including the IEP and the ISP) for each child. The goal is to follow the six CASSP principles: provide education that is child-centered, family-focused, community-based, multi-systemed, culturally competent, and in the least restrictive or the least intrusive environment.
The Interagency Coordinator represents the Berks County Intermediate Unit on the CASSP Interagency Service Team, assists school districts in case preparations, and acts as a resource to school districts and others when dealing with children in need. The coordinator also serves as a communications link with the Juvenile Probation Office, MH&MR, Children & Youth Services, the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
contact: Tom Engelman
610-987-8512 ~ thoeng@berksiu.org
Migrant Education
The purpose of the Migrant Education Program is to help migrant children remain in their grade level and progress academically to their full potential. Children are considered migrant if their parents or guardians have moved from one district to another within the last three years in order to obtain temporary or seasonal work in agriculture or other related job activities.
Student support specialists provide in-home instruction in a family-based program. Parents are involved and are encouraged to follow up on the teacher’s activities. In conjunction with local school districts, migrant staff work directly with students in junior and senior high schools. This program does not take the place of existing school district programs. Migrant teachers provide some school tutorial services throughout the regular school year and during summer academic and enrichment activities. This service is available in selected schools.
contact: Sergio Mery
610-987-8493 ~ sermer@berksiu.org
Surrogate Parents
The Berks County Intermediate Unit oversees support for students with special needs who may require advocacy and representation in the educational process. Students are provided with a variety of services, including support through the special education process, advocacy, and progress monitoring.
For the recruitment of surrogate parents, the BCIU utilizes the United Way of Berks County’s “Volunteer Solutions” Web-based software. If you would like to volunteer as a surrogate parent or would like to know more about the opportunity to do so, you can begin by visiting the Volunteer Solutions Web site at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwberks. Using the search feature, select the social group of “children” and the category of “education” to view information about how you might help children with special needs by serving as a volunteer surrogate parent.
contact: Tom Engelman
610-987-8512 ~ thoeng@berksiu.org
Transition and Job Coaching Services
Upon referral from a student's school district, BCIU prepares a transition assessment. Services are based on a student's individual needs in the areas of pre-vocational/vocational training, job readiness, job search, preparedness for higher education, military service, or other activities of adult life. Itinerant teachers consult with classroom teachers, parents, and the student to develop viable transition plans for students and to facilitate linkages with adult service providers. This service is provided based on individual student need.
contact: Connie Colosimo
610-987-8524 ~ concol@berksiu.org
