BCIU OVERVIEW
When Berks County’s teachers and administrators need help keeping pace with changes in standards, curriculum, and technology, the Berks County Intermediate Unit is there to help.
When area employers and families are looking for child care solutions, and at-risk students need assistance and special services, the BCIU is there to fulfill those needs.
The Pennsylvania Legislature created a system of 29 intermediate units in 1971 to provide services to the commonwealth’s 501 school districts and reduce the costly duplication of services. The BCIU (Intermediate Unit 14) provides seven mandated services:
- Curriculum Development & Instructional Improvement Services
- State and Federal Agency Liaison Services
- Instructional Technology Services
- Continuing Professional Education Services
- Pupil Personnel Services
- Educational Planning Services
- Management Services
In response to the expressed needs of the community, the BCIU has expanded its offerings over the years. School districts and county residents now may take advantage of BICU programs such as school-age child care, Web development services, in-depth summer academies for teachers, early intervention services, and many more. The BCIU also provides services to non-public schools as well as to other service organizations, such as BerksTALKLINE.
The BCIU has no administrative or supervisory functions in the county’s school districts. Its main purpose is to provide services and programs that districts otherwise may not be able to provide themselves.
THE BCIU MISSION
Providing quality resources, innovative programs, and responsible leadership to meet the educational and social service needs of our children, schools, and community.