Emergency weather updates for Thursday, January 23, 2025:
Early Intervention: The morning Early Intervention specialized classroom and group sessions will shift to teleintervention/remote instruction. Afternoon sessions will operate on their regular schedule. All other services, meetings, and appointments 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 Education Centre, St. Paul’s, and St. Daniel’s will operate on a two-hour delay. For Pre-K Counts classrooms in school district buildings, please follow your district’s schedule for delays, closures, or remote learning.

Join the Head Start Team at the BCIU! The Berks County Intermediate Unit is hiring for several exciting positions:
Assistant Program Administrator for Education | Job ID: 2166
• Salary: $71,825.90–$77,229.98
• Lead early childhood education initiatives to support kindergarten readiness.
• Required: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, PA Teaching Certification, and PA Supervisory Certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years teaching in an early childhood classroom (5 years preferred), with strong knowledge of pedagogy and developmentally appropriate practices.
Education Supervisor | Job ID: 2155
• Salary: $55,955.76–$65,359.84
• Oversee the educational components of the Head Start program.
• Required: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, or a degree with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years teaching in an early childhood classroom, with strong knowledge of pedagogy and developmentally appropriate practices.
Administrative Assistant for Family Services | Job ID: 2125
• Salary: $22.37–$24.36/hour
• Provide essential support to the Family Services Department.
• Required: Two-year degree or 2 years of post-secondary study in a business-related field, or a high school diploma/GED with 2 years of related field experience.
Competitive salaries and growth opportunities available. Learn more and apply at berksiu.org/jobline. EOE.

Emergency weather updates for Tuesday, January 21, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a two-hour delay, January 21, 2025.
Early Intervention: The Early Intervention program will operate through a teleintervention model beginning at 10:00 am. Please check ClassDojo for updates regarding classroom and group services and/or contact your teacher/therapist with questions. All other appointments will be rescheduled or held virtually.
Head Start: The following BCIU Head Start classrooms will be closed: Blue Marsh, Immanuel, Jacksonwald, and Hamburg. All other BCIU Head Start classrooms will operate on a two-hour delay.
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 operate on a two-hour delay. Students who attend BCIU Pre-K Counts classrooms within school district buildings should follow the decision of the district regarding delayed openings, emergency closures, or flexible instruction.
Any updates will be posted as conditions are monitored.

Emergency weather updates for Wednesday, January 22, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a one-hour delay on January 22, 2024. The office will open at 9:00 am.
Early Intervention: The Early Intervention Program will transfer to a teleintervention model / remote instructional day. Please check ClassDojo for updates regarding classroom and group services and/or contact your teacher/therapist with questions. All other appointments will be rescheduled or held virtually.
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start classrooms at the Learning Center at St. Paul’s, St. Luke’s, Holy Cross, Nativity, and Millmont will be closed. Classrooms at the Learning Center at Blue Marsh, Education Centre, Reading-Muhlenberg CTC, Highlands, Immanuel, Jacksonwald, and St. Daniel’s will operate on a two-hour delay.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Education Centre and St. Daniel’s will operate on a two-hour delay. Classrooms at St. Paul’s will shift to flexible instruction/remote learning. For Pre-K Counts classrooms in school district buildings, follow your district’s schedule for delays, closures, or remote learning.

With extreme cold weather in this week’s forecast, it is important to stay safe and warm! Please reference this guide to dress appropriately for chilly, cold, and extreme cold weather conditions. Layer up, protect yourself from wind and moisture, and be sure to wear your hat, gloves, and waterproof footwear. To learn more, visit: weather.gov/safety/cold.


“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we honor Dr. King’s legacy by uniting to serve, uplift, and strengthen our communities. Let his words inspire us to take action and make a difference, not just today, but every day.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Emergency weather updates for Tuesday, January 21, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, January 21, 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 the Education Centre, St. Daniel’s, and St. Paul’s will operate on a two-hour delay. Students who attend BCIU Pre-K Counts classrooms within school district buildings should follow the decision of the district regarding delayed openings or emergency closures.
Please check back for updates tomorrow morning.

Emergency weather updates for Monday, January 20, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The BCIU Pre-K Counts classrooms at the Learning Center at the Education Centre, St. Daniel’s, and St. Paul’s will transfer to a remote learning day on Monday, January 20, 2025. Please check ClassDojo for additional information.

Emergency Weather Updates for Friday, January 17, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 17, 2025.
The Early Intervention program will operate on a two-hour delay. Early Intervention services, meetings, and evaluations scheduled for 10:00 am or later will occur as planned.
The BCIU Head Start Program will operate on a two-hour delay.
The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at the Education Centre, Daniel Boone Elementary Center, St. Daniel’s, St. Paul’s and Tilden Elementary Center will operate on a two-hour delay. Students who attend BCIU Pre-K Counts classrooms other than those listed within school district buildings should follow the decision of the school district. Please check ClassDojo for any clarification needed.

"As we navigate the evolving complexities of modern K-12 public education, it is crucial to acknowledge the heart and soul of our schools — our teachers. Teachers are the most critical factor in transforming school buildings into communities of learning. For this reason, true teacher appreciation cannot be relegated to a week in May. Rather, it must be an ongoing commitment to identify, support, and celebrate the dedicated professionals who are responsible for shaping our students’ futures."
In this Superintendents’ Forum, Dr. Jennifer Murray, Reading School District Superintendent, discusses the importance of cultivating the next generation of teachers.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1968692

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.
Attend the BCIU's Hiring Event on Monday, February 3, 2025 to interview with BCIU staff immediately and kickstart your new career!
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.

The future starts in the classroom. Learn how you can be a part of it in Berks County! Explore education pathways and careers at LevelUpBerks.org. #LevelUpBerks

REMINDER: Guest Teacher Training Program applications are due TOMORROW, Tuesday, January 14, 2025. If you have a bachelor's degree in any content area and are interested in serving as a substitute teacher, training is available to you!
The Guest Teacher Training Program is a two-day workshop provided by the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU). Completion of the training will prepare you to substitute in classes offered by the BCIU as well as those offered by more than a dozen participating school districts in Berks County.
The spring 2025 session will take place March 26-27, 2025.
For detailed information, visit www.berksiu.org/guestteacher or contact Charlene Brown | chabro@berksiu.org | 610-987-8433. EOE.
Snow dates: April 2-3, 2025.

Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The BCIU extends sincere appreciation to our local law enforcement partners for the important work they do every day to help keep our students, staff, and families safe! #ThankYou

#DidYouKnow that school directors devote an average of 10 hours each month to Board responsibilities? January is School Director Recognition Month! Please join us in thanking these dedicated individuals for their tireless efforts, vision, leadership, and guidance that shape the future of our schools. We sincerely appreciate the unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions of our Board members to education! #SchoolDirectorRecognition #SchoolDirectorMonth

The BCIU Main Office will be closed on Monday, January 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, St. Paul’s, and Immanuel will be closed. 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.

Did you know, Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille code, was born on January 4, 1809? Tomorrow, we honor his remarkable legacy and the transformative impact Braille continues to have on millions of lives by celebrating World Braille Day.
The BCIU provides vision support services to students ages 5 through 21 who are visually impaired from various Berks County schools. Join us in celebrating the power of touch and connection! Braille is more than a system of raised dots; it is a bridge to literacy, independence, and empowerment for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. To learn more, visit https://nfb.org/celebrate-world-braille-day

"The notifications for possible snow started at 4:30 a.m. Custodians were preparing to ensure the parking lots and sidewalks were safe for staff, students, and families. The potential delay also initiated discussions in food services to ensure students would arrive at school and meals would be available. Secretaries were also on point, sending communications about delay schedules, answering phones and making sure that parents were greeted with a warm welcome."
In this Superintendents’ Forum, Dr. Cathy Taschner, Schuylkill Valley School District Superintendent, describes how food service workers, custodians and secretaries make great contributions to our schools.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1943030

Staff and students from the BCIU’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing classrooms, along with other students receiving hearing itinerant and educational interpreting services through the BCIU, enjoyed a roller-skating party at the Fantasy Roller Skating Center on Friday, December 13. The event brought together 20 students and 20 staff members, who enjoyed skating to music, socializing, pizza, and a special visit from “Signing Santa.”
The party also welcomed several visitors, including Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, Director of the Office of Early Childhood and Student Services (ECSS); Dr. Sara George, Assistant Director of ECSS; Dr. Tom Clouse, retired Assistant Program Administrator; and Stephanie Fains, a representative from Keystone Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services—a local agency offering services, resources, social opportunities, education, and advocacy for the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities in Berks and surrounding counties.
The event was a wonderful opportunity to continue connections, celebrate community, and create cherished memories!

The Berks County Intermediate Unit wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season!

