Kinderplus

Selecting the right child care and learning program for your child is a big decision. BCIU shares the great concern you have for your child’s welfare. BCIU early childhood programs provide a safe, convenient, and fun environment that helps your child develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. The combined BCIU KinderPlus and Child Care program reinforces skills that the children are currently learning in their district kindergarten program.

The KinderPlus and Child Care programs of the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) are designed to support the needs of today’s busy families.

Intensive learning early in life can help improve a child’s social/emotional development, reading, writing, and math skills, and provide a strong foundation for future learning.

The local school district and BCIU full-day schedule will provide parents with half-day kindergarten and the option to enroll their child in an affordable, fee-based, extended day program.

1. to meet family need for child care
2. to provide extended learning and enrichment opportunities

Staff Team
The program is delivered by a teaching team (a certified teacher and an assistant teacher) of early childhood educators, using a common curriculum, resources, and space. The staff/student ratio is expected to be approximately 1:10.

Parent Participation
Parent participation is paramount to student success. Parents are encouraged to visit the classroom and participate in volunteer activities.

Learning Environment
The BCIU Child Care program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and is accredited by the Keystone Stars Program.

1. We encourage the development of the whole child.
2. We offer developmentally appropriate programming to meet the varying experiences, backgrounds, abilities, and needs of all children.
3. We create healthy learning environments that are safe, secure, stimulating, and thoughtfully planned.
4. We encourage learning through exploring, playing, talking, risk-taking, problem solving, and making choices.
5. We use a variety of instructional strategies with the whole class, small groups, and individuals.
6. We provide experiences that build a strong foundation for literacy and numeracy development.
7. We apply ongoing, authentic assessment practices to inform programming and improve learning.
8. We welcome parents and caregivers as valued partners in their children’s education.
9. We hire qualified and caring staff members.
10. We foster partnerships between home, school, and community.

Do You Need Help Paying for Child Care?

To qualify for low-income funding:

1. You must complete an application.
2. You must be a resident of Berks County.
3. Your child must be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted alien.
4. You must meet income guidelines.
5. You must be employed at least 20 hours per week, or be a full-time student.
6. You must pay a weekly co-payment based on family household gross income.

If you are a parent or caretaker who meets the above requirements, please contact your local Early Learning Resource Center at 484-651-8000 to request an application. You can also find your local Early Learning Resource Center at raiseyourstar.org