The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) has been selected as one of three recipients of the Family Ambassador Pilot Program grant, a joint initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Over the next three years, the BCIU will receive $148,000 to pilot strategies that support Preschool Early Intervention (EI) students as they transition into kindergarten.
Funded by the federal State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), Success for PA Early Learners (SPEL), this initiative acknowledges the vital role families play in their children’s education. Through this program, Family Ambassadors will serve as key liaisons between families and schools, ensuring parents have the guidance and resources needed for a successful kindergarten transition.
As part of this pilot, the BCIU will partner with two local school districts to implement and evaluate targeted strategies, providing direct support to families through:
• Guidance on navigating the special education process.
• Assistance in understanding the Early Intervention to Kindergarten transition.
• Information on parents’ roles in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
• Connections to local resources to support their child’s education.
Running through the 2026-2027 school year, the program’s findings will help refine transition processes for families across Pennsylvania.
The BCIU is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, strengthening family-school partnerships to create seamless, supportive transitions for young learners.
For more information on the Family Ambassador Pilot Program, visit PDE’s website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/pennsylvania-launches-family-ambassador-pilot-program-to-support-transition-from-preschool-early-intervention-to-kindergarten.html