“Head Start has been a life-changing experience for our family. We are incredibly grateful for the teachers, staff, and community that make Head Start possible. It gave my child a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow, and handed us the tools and support we needed as a community and as parents. From early literacy to social skills, the foundation Head Start has set is on the path for success in school and beyond.” -Brianne Archer, Parent of Former Berks County Head Start Student and Chair of the Berks County Head Start Policy Council For more information about the Head Start program, please visit: https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-head-start
4 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
photo of Brianne and her child with Head Start logo in corner. Testimonial reads: We are incredibly grateful for the teachers, staff, and community that make Head Start possible. It gave my child a safe, nurturing environment to learn and grow, and handed us the tools and support we needed as a community and as parents.” —Brianne Archer, Parent of Former Berks County Head Start Student and Chair of the Berks County Head Start Policy Council
Start your journey with us and make a difference! Join us for our Transportation Hiring Event on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the BCIU Main Office (1111 Commons Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605). Positions Available: Bus Drivers Van Drivers Bus Assistants Van Assistants Whether you are an experienced professional or looking to start a new career path, we encourage you to explore these opportunities. Register for an interview by June 20: Call 610-987-8471 to schedule. Walk-ins are welcome. Join a team committed to safety, reliability, and making a positive impact on the lives of students every day.
4 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
background image is a school bus. text reads: IU14 hiring event. June 25, 2025. 10 am-1pm. Bus / van drivers. Bus / van assistants.
“What I like most about the Head Start program is that it doesn’t just focus on the children’s education; it also focuses on ensuring the entire environment is adequate, offering help and guidance to parents with any means the program may have to support children and their families. As a mother, it’s the best program for me because, having two young children, I can feel confident going to work and knowing my child is in good hands.” —Albania, Parent, and Nolan, Current Head Start Program Student For more information about the Head Start program, please visit: https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-head-start
4 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
A smiling woman wearing sunglasses lies next to a young boy holding an orange basketball. They are outdoors, enjoying time together. The Berks County Head Start logo appears in the top right corner. A testimonial below reads: “What I like most about the Head Start program is that it doesn’t just focus on the children’s education; it also focuses on ensuring the entire environment is adequate, offering help and guidance to parents with any means the program may have to support children and their families... I can feel confident going to work and knowing my child is in good hands.” —Albania, Parent, and Nolan, Current Head Start Program Student.
The BCIU is hiring! Join us for our Early Childhood and Student Services Hiring Event on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the BCIU Main Office (1111 Commons Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605). We are hiring for a variety of roles in both school-age and early childhood programs. Immediate openings include: School-Age Program Staff Job Coaches Educational Interpreters (Sign Language) Substitutes Paraeducators And more Registration is preferred but not required—walk-ins are welcome. Reserve a time slot to interview on-site with BCIU staff. To register or learn more, call 610-987-8657 or visit berksiu.org/JoinOurTeam.
4 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
A young child with curly hair and a bright smile stands against a yellow background, wearing a white shirt and gesturing with one hand. Text reads: "Early Childhood Student Services Hiring Event. June 23, 2025, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. BCIU Main Office, 1111 Commons Blvd., Reading, PA 19605. Are you interested in enriching the life of a child? IU14 Hiring Event. EOE."
Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025! The Berks County Intermediate Unit proudly celebrates the graduating students of Berks County and extends its best wishes as you take the next step in your journey. We also recognize and commend the outstanding students honored as Berks’ Best. At the annual scholarship luncheon on May 21, 2025, the Berks County Community Foundation awarded more than 120 scholarships. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Berks’ Best scholarship project. Congratulations to all of the recipients on this remarkable achievement!
4 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Dark blue and gold-themed graduation graphic with gold confetti, a ribbon, and three black graduation caps. A gold square frame surrounds the message: “Congratulations Class of 2025!” in gold script and bold text. The IU14 logo is in the bottom right corner.
Thank you to our incredible staff and community partners who joined us in lighting up Berks County green for Mental Health Awareness Month! Your support for the #BerksGoesGreen initiative shines a powerful light on the importance of mental health and wellness for all. To explore local support services, visit the Berks County Mental Health Resources Webpage: https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-mental-health-resources?fbclid=IwY2xjawKkRaZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0bzVMZ3hKemZ2VTNLUjcyAR4mfYlbdzYi76TzlYcjK2ik0vXxoZ9pLyXlo9fopIXa1tyZMBPm7UmZZrF-uA_aem_vf_4Ms-Jk9gJHAf7dtE17A
5 months ago, Marielle Bozzini
collage of community partners
BCIU staff wear green
Is your child ready for preschool? Do you live in the Hamburg Area School District? We are now enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds in FREE Pre-K programs for Fall 2025! Join us for Open Enrollment on May 27 at the BCIU Learning Center in Hamburg. Pre-K Counts & Head Start. No cost to qualifying families. Se habla español. Visit www.berksiu.org/freepreschool for more information.
5 months ago, Marielle Bozzini
Flyer announcing open enrollment for Fall 2025 for PA Pre-K Counts and Berks County Head Start programs in the Hamburg Area School District. Open enrollment event will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the BCIU Learning Center in Hamburg, located at 3570 Old Route 22, Hamburg, PA 19526. Families are encouraged to apply. Spanish-speaking support is available. Required documents include 2024 W-2 or tax return, child's birth certificate, and current physical/immunization records. Contact number is 610-987-8595. More information at www.berksiu.org/freepreschool.
Please join the Berks County Intermediate Unit in congratulating and celebrating the May 2025 BCIU Employee-of-the-Month, Cody Snyder! Cody is a Level VI Program Secretary, Transportation, in the Office of Operations and has worked at the BCIU for a year. “Mr. Snyder consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating exceptional dedication, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude that uplifts everyone around him,” said Julie Van Lear, Assistant Program Administrator for Transportation. “He approaches every challenge with professionalism and a solutions-focused mindset. Mr. Snyder exemplifies our core values of teamwork, integrity, and innovation, and his impact on the team and organization is truly appreciated.” #FunFact: Cody serves as Vice President of the Schuylkill Valley Youth Soccer Executive Board and Secretary of the Schuylkill Valley Education Foundation!
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
IU14 Employee Spotlight graphic featuring Cody Snyder as the May 2025 Employee of the Month. The image includes a professional headshot of Cody Snyder, who is smiling and wearing glasses and a light-colored shirt. The background has dark blue curtains with a spotlight effect highlighting the portrait.
The BCIU celebrated our Project SEARCH Intern Award Ceremonies on Wednesday, May 14, and Monday, May 19. We are proud to share that all 12 of our interns have successfully secured employment following completion of the program! Congratulations to each of them — we wish you continued success in your new roles!
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Project SEARH Penn State Health St. Joseph interns pose with teachers next to balloons.
Project SEARCH DoubleTree of Reading interns pose with teachers.
At the May 15 BCIU Board Meeting, Ella Damiani, a talented sophomore from Wilson High School in the Wilson School District, was recognized for her exceptional artistic talents! Each year, the BCIU selects one piece of student artwork from the Annual Secondary Art Exhibition to add to its permanent collection at the BCIU Main Office. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this meaningful tradition, with artwork dating back to 1995. Ella’s piece was selected for its creativity, technical skill, and expressive quality—earning a well-deserved place in the BCIU’s distinguished collection. Congratulations, Ella!
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Mr. Gary McEwen, BCIU Board president, Ella, her art teacher, and Julie Bunnick, BCIU Creative Team Coordinator, pose for photo with Ella holding award.
Ella's artwork. A landscape piece of a trail leading down to water, with flowers lining the trail.
At last night’s BCIU Board Meeting, five outstanding BCIU transportation drivers were honored with BCIU Champion Awards for placing in the top ten of the BCPTA School Bus Safety Competition! Wilma Herrera, Sharon Kissinger, Yolanda Moultrey-Whyte, Alicia Kachel, and Max Devlin will represent the BCIU at the state championship this June. We are proud to recognize their dedication to school bus safety and their commitment to excellence. Best of luck at states!
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
BCIU transportation champions pose for group photo!
At Camp Connect, children and teens (ages 6-16) will: Be with others their age who are also grieving Learn to identify and express painful emotions Develop new skills to cope with their loss This free four-day camp is designed to support kids on their grief journey. Camp Dates: June 16-19 & August 4-7 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon Sign up or learn more: berksiu.org/campconnect
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
A group of smiling children and adult volunteers wearing bright green Camp Connect t-shirts hold a banner with the Camp Connect logo. The banner reads “Camp Connect,” featuring a graphic of two hands shaking in blue and green. Text on the image promotes a free bereavement camp for children and teens ages 6–16 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. The dates and locations are June 16–19, 2025 (Temple/Muhlenberg area) and August 4–7, 2025 (Spring Township/Mohns Hill area). The words “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” appear in bold white letters on the left side.
This #NationalPoliceWeek, we are proud to honor and thank our dedicated law enforcement partners for their dedication to school safety.‍‍ We are grateful for your partnership and the impact you make in our schools and communities. Thank you for all you do—today and every day!
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
police officer with students in classroom
It is okay to ask for help. Whether you are managing anxiety, facing challenges, or supporting someone else, there are resources available to guide you. The Berks County Mental Health Resources Webpage offers access to trusted support services throughout the community. View the available resources here: https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-mental-health-resources
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
two pairs of hands holding green ribbon
Are you looking for a career that would make a difference in the lives of children and families in Berks County? The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to make an impact on the 70,000+ students and their families in Berks County. If you have a heart to serve, we encourage you to explore career opportunities with the BCIU! The Dispatcher maintains efficient communications and route assignments among the fleet of vehicles operated by the BCIU Transportation Program, while also performing relief and/or back-up duties as a driver or transportation assistant. This part-time, 12-month position offers a starting hourly rate of $23.61 (effective 7/1/25). Schedule: 4 hours/day, 44 weeks/year; 3.5 hours/day, 8 weeks over summer. Learn and apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/berksiu/onlineapp/default.aspx EOE. Job ID: 2217
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Graphic with a school bus illustration and text that reads: “BCIU (Berks County Intermediate Unit) is hiring a Transportation Dispatcher – Field and Sports Trips. Part-time. Hourly rate: $23.61. 4 hours/day, 44 weeks/year; 3.5 hours/day, 8 weeks over summer.” A red button says “Apply Now at berksiu.org/jobline.” Equal Opportunity Employer.
Mental health matters every day—and together, we can help break the stigma. The BCIU is proud to stand with Berks County in supporting mental health awareness by wearing green this May. Join us in showing your support and building a culture of understanding and care. Wear green, snap a photo, and tag #BerksGoesGreen to be part of the movement. Learn more about how the BCIU is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month: https://www.berksiu.org/article/2193921
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Green background with green ribbon. Text reads: #BerksGoesGreen and the BCIU logo is in the top right corner.
You are invited to the BCIU’s Early Childhood Exploration Day THIS Saturday, May 17, 2025! Bring your little learners (ages 3–5) for a fun-filled day of discovery, connection, and hands-on excitement! Families will explore interactive learning stations, connect with local resources, and engage in meaningful conversations with early childhood professionals. Learn more and register here: berksiu.org/grow
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Colorful promotional graphic for Early Childhood Exploration Day hosted by IU14. The text reads: “Engage + Grow – Early Childhood Exploration Day / Día de Exploración de la Primera Infancia. Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.” The background features a vibrant, multicolored floral and wave design with rays emanating from the center. IU14's logo is positioned in the top left corner.
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week is Mental Health Awareness Week? Mental Health Awareness Week is an important time to recognize that mental health is just as vital as physical health. The Berks County Intermediate Unit is committed to supporting the well-being of students, families, and staff across our community. To explore local support services, visit the Berks County Mental Health Resources Webpage: https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-mental-health-resources
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
text says "mental health awareness week" with a map of the world in the background, and two green ribbons.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit is hiring a Transportation Supervisor for the Kutztown Area School District. Join a mission-driven team making a difference for over 70,000 students and families in Berks County. The Transportation Supervisor maintains efficient communications for operation and route assignments, among a fleet of vehicles under the Berks County Intermediate Unit Transportation Department. This full-time, 12-month position offers a salary of $58,499 - $79,145 based on experience and education. (Salary effective 7/1/25) If you are a strong leader with a heart to serve, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/berksiu/onlineapp/default.aspx EOE. Job ID: 2215
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
Graphic reads: "BCIU (Berks County Intermediate Unit) is hiring a Transportation Supervisor. Kutztown Area School District. Full-time, 12 months/year. $58,499 - $79,145 based on experience and education." A yellow and red background features a 3D cartoon-style yellow school bus. Text at the bottom says: "Apply now at berksiu.org/jobline. EOE."
Join us for an empowering afternoon with Dr. Barbara Sorrels, nationally recognized expert and CEO of Connected Kids, Inc.! Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Location: Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College Discover strategies to better understand and respond to your child’s challenging behaviors—because all behavior is a form of communication. A 30-minute Q&A will follow the session! Limited space available—register now: https://bit.ly/BCIU_May27
5 months ago, Berks County Intermediate Unit
A flyer announcing an event titled "Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviors" presented on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts Reading Area, Community College, 4 N 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19601. The flyer features a photograph of the presenter, Dr. Barbara Sorrels, CEO/Founder of Connected Kids, Inc. Text on the flyer states, "All behavior is a form of communication. This session will provide strategies to understand why your child is demonstrating challenging behavior and how you can respond to improve the behavior. There will be 30 minutes following the session for Q&A." It also indicates "Limited availability, register today!" with a QR code and a link: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://bit.ly/BCIU_May27. The event is hosted by the Office of Early Childhood & Student Services | ECSS. The background of the flyer features a close-up image of a purple flower.
A flyer in Spanish announcing an event titled "Comprender y Responder a los Comportamientos Desafiantes" (Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviors) presented on martes, 27 de mayo de 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts Reading Area, Community College, 4 N 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19601. The flyer includes a photograph of the presenter, Dra. Barbara Sorrels, CEO/Fundadora de Connected Kids, Inc. Text on the flyer states, "Todo comportamiento es una forma de comunicación. This session will provide strategies to understand why your child is demonstrating challenging behavior and how you can respond to improve the behavior. There will be 30 minutes following the session for Q&A." It also indicates "¡Disponibilidad Limitada, regístrese hoy!" (Limited availability, register today!) with a QR code and a link: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://bit.ly/BCIU_May27. The event is hosted by the Office of Early Childhood & Student Services | ECSS. The background of the flyer features a close-up image of a purple flower.