Berks County Early Care and Education Options

BCAP (Berks Community Action Program) Family Center  For families with children up to age five  Home visitors help families do developmentally appropriate activities with their preschoolers in the home  Call 610-376-6571

Berks County Head Start  Free pre-kindergarten program for children 3 to 5 years of age; must meet income guidelines  Call 610-376-6571

Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County  Free home-based visits for low-income expectant mothers and families  Call 610-376-6077

Early Head Start Center Based Program  For children birth to 3 years of age and their families; must meet income guidelines  Call 610 988 1675

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts  Free pre-kindergarten program for children 3 to 5 years of age; must meet income guidelines  Call 610-376-6571

Family Literacy  ESL (English as Second Language) program for parents with children birth through the end of third grade  Parents learn English while children attend an early childhood class followed by an activity that parents and children do together  Call 610-370-8540 ext. 60218

Child Care  A number of options are available for children newborns to 12 years of age  Call 610 987 2247 or for a copy of “While You Are Working, the local child care directory, go to http://www.uwberks.org/wwwpub/assets/base/pdf/CommunityImpact/WYAW_June2011_web.pdf

Play and Learn Centers  A place where children birth to 5 years and their parent/caregiver read, sing and play together  Call Salvation Army (610-373-5208) for a location near you

SPARK (Support for Parents and Resources and Activities for Kids)  Christ Episcopal Church, Fifth and Courts Streets, Reading  Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Call 610-517-3999

Private Preschools  Part-time programs for children 3 to 5 years of age  Check in your neighborhood for the preschool nearest you.

Reading Public Library Parenting Centers  Books, movies, music, magazines, and programs for parents and caregivers making their children’s lives happier and healthier  Call 610 655-6350

Y Baby University  A 9 week workshop on child development  For parents/caregivers of children birth to 3years of age who live in Reading  Call 610-378-4748

Early Intervention  Can perform developmental assessments for parents who have concerns about their children’s development  For an infant or toddler call 610-236-0530  For a preschooler call 610-987-8562