"With the ever-increasing costs of college and university education, there is no better time to look for cost savings than now. Traditional methods to save money, like living at home or finding scholarships, often are not enough on their own in many situations. Today’s high school students have another very effective option that has stemmed from partnerships between our high schools and local colleges and universities."
In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Greg Miller, Superintendent of Fleetwood Area School District, highlights how dual enrollment programs help high school students save on college costs by earning affordable college credits early, reducing their time in college, and gaining valuable experience.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/2028139
Berks County Intermediate Unit has a full-time position available to maintain, clean, and assume primary responsibility for the building areas owned and/or occupied by the BCIU. General custodial duties will include cleaning floors, carpets, bathrooms, emptying trash receptacles, etc.
BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge (Boyertown / Douglassville area) 4:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m., 35 hours/week, 12 months/year, $16.34/hour.
Apply online at www.berksiu.org/jobline. Job ID: 2162. EOE.
Emergency weather updates for Wednesday, February 12, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will be closed on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Early Intervention: The BCIU Early Intervention program will operate through a teleintervention model (remote/virtual instruction).
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start program will be closed.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at the Education Centre, St. Daniel’s, and St. Paul’s will transfer to a flexible instruction day. Classrooms within school district buildings should follow the decision of the district for weather delays, closures, or flexible instructional days. Please check Class DoJo for additional information.
February 12, 2025: Emergency Weather Updates
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Early Intervention: The Early Intervention Program will operate on a two-hour delay. The morning session of Early Intervention specialized classrooms and groups will be canceled. The afternoon sessions will start and end at the regular time. Early Intervention services, meetings, and evaluations scheduled for 10:00 am or later will occur as scheduled. Please note that there will be no transportation for the students within the Reading School District.
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start program will operate on a two-hour delay. The BCIU Head Start classroom at Millmont Elementary will be closed.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at St. Paul’s, the Education Centre, and St. Daniel’s will operate on a two-hour delay. For Pre-K Counts classrooms in school district buildings, follow your district’s schedule for delays, closures, or remote learning.
Day 2 of Kindness Spirit Week at the BCIU Education Centre is all about spreading kindness without hiding! Today's theme: “Don’t Hide from Kindness—Wear Camouflage.” Students and staff showed up in style, ready to make kindness seen! #BCIUKindness
Struggling with technology? We are here to help—for FREE!
From finding affordable internet to applying for jobs or benefits, the Berks County Digital Navigators can guide you. Call 610-987-8516 or email digitalnavigator@berksiu.org to get started!
BCIU Head Start, Pre-K Counts, and Early Intervention programs are celebrating kindness in a big way! They have created a “Kindness Wall” where staff can share shout-outs and uplifting messages, and this week, they are kicking off a kindness-themed spirit week at the Education Centre.
Today is Day 1, and the theme is “Peace, Love, and Kindness”—students and staff sported their tie-dye and spread some positivity! #BCIUKindness
February marks the observance of Black History Month! During Black History Month, we reflect, learn, and celebrate the powerful contributions of Black leaders—past and present—who have shaped history and continue to inspire the future. To explore more about #BlackHistoryMonth, visit: https://blackhistorymonth.gov/
BCIU staff and students in the Pathways to Adult Living (PAL) Program embraced their Eagles spirit this week, rallying together to cheer on Philadelphia ahead of the Super Bowl this Sunday. A wonderful celebration that highlights the strong connections across our offices and programs. Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Calling all local businesses! On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Reading Royals will host the 5th Annual Career Ready Berks Night. Join other local businesses in the concourse prior to the game to talk to Berks County students and parents about the career pathways available in the County and to advertise your business.
The Reading Royals are offering the following package for our Career Ready Berks businesses:
For $400, businesses will get:
• A table on the Concourse before & during the game on 3/14/25
• An announcement during the game that your business participated in the event
• 20 tickets to the game
• Option to purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate ($20/ticket, normally $27/ticket)
Your sponsorship will also help provide free admission tickets to Berks County students.*
Registration is still open for this event! Contact Jillian Darlington, jildar@berksiu.org, to register!
Emergency weather updates for Thursday, February 6, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will be closed on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
The BCIU Early Intervention program will operate through a teleintervention model (remote/virtual instruction).
The BCIU Head Start program will be closed.
The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at the Education Centre, St. Daniel’s, and St. Paul’s will be closed. The Pre-K Counts classroom at Wyomissing Hills will transfer to a flexible instruction day. All other Pre-K Counts classrooms within school district buildings should follow the decision of the district for weather delays, closures, or flexible instructional days. Please check Class DoJo for additional information.
Happy National School Counseling Week! We appreciate the dedication of school counselors who positively impact students' lives every day. Thank you for all that you do!
Interested in making a difference? Apply to be a counselor at the BCIU today! Explore open positions and apply at: https://www.applitrack.com/berksiu/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackPostingSearch=counselor
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking an Assistant Director of Information Technology to provide leadership and support for our tech services, ensuring schools, families, and communities have access to essential technology solutions.
-Lead and support IT operations
-Collaborate with school districts and community partners
-Drive innovation in education technology
Apply now at: www.berksiu.org/jobline by February 14, 2025.
Emergency Weather Updates for Monday, February 3, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a two-hour delay on February 3, 2025.
Early Intervention: The Early Intervention Program will operate on a two-hour delay. The morning session of Early Intervention specialized classrooms and groups will be canceled. The afternoon sessions will start and end at the regular time. Early Intervention services, meetings, and evaluations scheduled for 10:00 am or later will occur as scheduled.
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start program will operate on a two-hour delay.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at St. Paul’s, the Education Centre, and St. Daniel’s will operate on a two-hour delay. For Pre-K Counts classrooms in school district buildings, follow your district’s schedule for delays, closures, or remote learning.
Last night, January 30, school leaders and elected officials from across Berks County gathered for an evening of collaboration, professional development, and advocacy at the 26th Annual Board Presidents’ and Superintendents’ and CTC Directors’ Workshop, hosted at the BCIU Main Office. This event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships, exchange insights, and explore effective board governance strategies.
The BCIU extends our appreciation to our keynote speaker, Attorney Valentina (Tina) Viletto, Training & Outreach Consultant for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, for sharing her expertise on strategic leadership and governance, and to Fidevia Construction Management and Consulting (Fidevia) and Devopar Consulting, who generously co-sponsored the event.
We also extend our gratitude to our school leaders for their participation, collaboration, and continued commitment to the more than 70,000 students in Berks County.
"Each February, as we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, the nation’s spotlight highlights the importance CTE programs bring to today’s workforce. While the classroom provides the foundational knowledge and skills for future professionals, it is the hands-on, real-world experiences that are often highlighted at local, district, state, and national competitions that truly elevate students in their chosen fields."
In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Michael Stauffer, Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) Executive Director, notes the importance of career skills training in schools dedicated to that purpose.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1997427
Attend the BCIU's Hiring Event on Monday, February 3, 2025 to interview with BCIU staff immediately and kickstart your new career!
The Berks County Intermediate Unit Office of Early Childhood & Student Services has immediate openings for Assistant Teachers (Paraeducators), Secretaries, Job Coaches, Alternative Ed Specialists, & Substitutes.
Event Details:
When: Monday, February 3 | 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: BCIU Main Office, 1111 Commons Blvd, Reading, PA 19605
Positions are currently available in Early Intervention, Head Start, and Pre-K Counts programs. Learn more about each position and register for the event at: berksiu.org/joinourteam
Registration preferred, walk-ins welcome. EOE.
Today at the Berks County Courthouse, President Judge M. Theresa Johnson presided over the commissioning ceremony of Dr. Scott Davidheiser, serving in his new role as Superintendent of Boyertown Area School District.
Please join the Berks County Intermediate Unit in congratulating Dr. Davidheiser. We wish you great success in your new role and look forward to continued collaboration.
Please join the Berks County Intermediate Unit in congratulating and celebrating the January 2025 BCIU Employee-of-the-Month, Lauren Hammond!
Lauren is an ECYEH Training and Project Coordinator in the Office of Early Childhood and Student Services (ECSS) and has worked at the BCIU for 5 years.
Melissa DeMotta, ECYEH Supervisor, shared, “Lauren’s contributions to our program have been substantial and beyond expectations. Over the past few years, Lauren has shown a strong ability to take the initiative with any new project that is handed to her. She enthusiastically takes on these projects and uses her creativity to put out quality resources upon which our districts frequently rely."
#FunFact: Although Lauren was once afraid of public speaking, her current role requires it regularly. This year, she conquered her fears by presenting at her first national conference!
As part of our acknowledgment and celebration of School Director Recognition Month, the Berks County Intermediate Unit is proud to host the eighth annual BCIU Student Artwork Showcase. This year’s theme is “What do you see when you look out your window?”
One original piece of art by a high school student from each Berks County school district is currently on display in the BCIU Board Room at the Main Office through the end of 2025. In addition, the artwork is highlighted in a virtual gallery, which you can view at https://www.berksiu.org/page/student-artwork-showcase
