About

The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) provides programs and services to public school districts, nonpublic schools, and other human service organizations of Berks County, Pennsylvania. The BCIU also is a liaison agent between the schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

The BCIU exists to provide services and programs that might not be economical or practical for districts to provide themselves. With more than 1,200 staff members, an operating budget in excess of $217 million, and governance from an 18-member board of directors composed of a representative from each of the public school districts of Berks County, the BCIU is committed to becoming the first resource Berks County schools turn to for assistance, guidance, and support.

2023-24 annual report

Fast Facts

70,000+

Students served throughout Berks County

13,400+

Early Childhood & School Age Students Assisted

47 Sites

Delivering high-quality, accessible services at multiple locations throughout the Berks County

18 School Districts

2 CTC's & 81 Non-Public Schools rely on the BCIU for support and partnership

Programs

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Pregnant & Parenting Teens

Responding to the specific needs of pregnant and parenting youth in Berks County Schools, BCIU's ELECT Program provides free services and support to help teen parents thrive.

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ECYEH Program

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program (ECYEH) ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate public education.

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Foster Care Youth Support

BCIU's Educational Stability for Foster Care Youth Program provides technical assistance and professional development related to the education of foster care youth.

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Preschool Early Intervention

BCIU Early Intervention is a public special education service provided to children ages 3-5 who are experiencing a delay in development.

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Free Preschool

The Berks County Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs provide comprehensive preschool programs free of charge to qualifying families for children between the ages of 3 and 5.

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Berks Online Learning

BOL allows students to earn a high school diploma from their home school district, while retaining the ability to participate in school activities offered by their district.

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Career Ready Berks

CRB is an alliance developed by Berks County School Districts, Post-Secondary Institutions, Businesses and local business organizations to provide experiences to local students.

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Preparation for Adult Life

The PAL Program offers secondary students with special needs a school-based vocational training education, including job training, community experiences, and more.

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Project SEARCH

The Project SEARCH Program is a unique, business-led, one-year, school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace for students with special needs.

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Transition House

The BCIU’s Transition House Program assists high school seniors with mild-to-moderate disabilities transition from high school to employment and independent living.

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Deaf & Hard of Hearing

The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program provides Berks County's school-age students with hearing impairments full or part-time support in two classrooms within the county.