Category: Early Learning and Preschool

Mid Penn Bank Contributes $8K to Support YMCA’s Educational Initiatives for Early Learners

Posted on by Chrissy Faller

Making Local Community Impact through PA’s EITC Program

Reading, Pa., December 10, 2025 — Through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, Mid Penn Bank has contributed $8,000 to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County in support expanding access and providing high-quality early learning education for local children.

“Expanding access is crucial, and using EITC as a tool to make local impact is smart,” said Phillip Borup, President & CEO, YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “Not only does this make a big difference for our kids and their families, but it will also have a positive impact on the entire community for years to come.”

“Children in our YMCA early learning centers in the city of Reading and in Richmond are getting a top-notch education in STAR 4-rated facilities, the highest designation recognized in the state through Pennsylvania Keystone STARS,” said Shelley Eppihimer, Vice President, Youth Development, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Donations made through the EITC program allow eligible businesses to direct tax credits toward proven education and youth programs. Mid Penn Bank’s gift will be used to fund scholarships and classroom resources at YMCA early learning centers, helping more families afford full-time, quality care and enabling the YMCA to maintain staff development, curriculum enhancements, and classroom supplies that directly benefit young learners.

Mid Penn Bank’s investment reinforces a shared community priority: ensuring equitable access to strong early education so all children, regardless of family income, can start school ready to learn. The partnership with the YMCA also helps stabilize working families by offering reliable childcare and learning opportunities that support parents’ ability to work and contribute to the local economy.

“Our young learners have an academic advantage, setting them up for a lifetime of success, whether their parents can afford it or not,” said Borup.

For more information on the YMCA’s preschool and childcare programs or to support the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, explore our site.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has strengthened our local community through putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice with programs that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates five branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley; two Early Learning Centers in Reading and Richmond; and seven transitional housing programs for residential care at the Reading Y and Camp Joy locations.

Driven by its founding mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y strives to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment, and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. 

Check presentation from Mid Penn Bank to YMCA of Reading & Berks County
Pictured from Left to Right: Matthew Assemes, Assistant Vice President and Financial Center Manager of Mid Penn Bank; Joseph Butto, Senior Vice President and Regional President of Mid Penn Bank; Christina (Chrissy) Faller, Vice President, Marketing & Communications of YMCA of Reading & Berks County; and Phillip Borup, President and CEO of YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Unleash Your Child’s Inner Superhero

Posted on by Amber Fox

Pre-K Counts at the YMCA

Every child possesses unique superpowers waiting to be discovered and nurtured. At the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, we believe that early childhood education is the key to unlocking these abilities. Our Pre-K Counts program is designed to help your little hero develop the skills they need to soar into kindergarten and beyond!

What is Pre-K Counts?

Pre-K Counts is a free, full-day Pre-K program for financially eligible families in the Greater Reading area. It is funded by is Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program for children 3-5 years old to provide an educational foundation that prepares them for future academic success.

Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs designed for children to get the best start in a safe, nurturing environment. The higher the STAR level, the higher the quality of excellence. YMCA’s Early Learning Center in Reading holds the highest STAR 4 designation. The Y gives children a strong foundation to build successful lifelong learning, curiosity, and confidence.

Preschool students at the Reading YMCA proudly holding up their ‘C is for Caterpillar’ alphabet art during letter recognition week.

Pre-K Counts Program Highlights at Reading YMCA

preschoolers at Reading ymca smiling and having fun on the playground
  • Full-Day Classes: Engaging sessions are held Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. 
  • Nutritious Meals: Enrollment includes lunch and two snacks  during school days.
  • Extended Care Options: The Y offers optional on-site before- and after-school care for families who need early drop-off or late pick-up times.
  • Safe and Caring Environment: Our classrooms provide a nurturing space where children can thrive.
  • Licensed Staff : Experienced educators in a top-rated STAR 4 center ensure high-quality instruction and curriculum.
  • Bilingual Staff: Many staff are bilingual, providing smoother communication and understanding – a win for both kids and families.

Developing Super Skills Through Preschool

With Pre-K Counts, Reading YMCA’s early education staff focuses on more than just academics. Our curriculum is designed to foster a range of skills that are essential for lifelong success:

  1. Academic Readiness: We introduce foundational concepts in reading and math, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the challenges of kindergarten. Activities are tailored to make learning fun and engaging, sparking a love for education early on.
  1. Social and Emotional Growth: Learning to work with others, managing emotions, and developing empathy are crucial skills for all children. Our program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers. We teach fundamental skills and core values that help preschoolers understand valuable contributions to every community: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.
  1. Physical Development: Active play is an integral part of our daily routine. Through games and physical activities, children enhance their motor skills, coordination, and overall health, keeping them strong and ready for any adventure.
  1. Creative Expression: All of our superheroes have their own unique flair! We encourage creativity through art, music, and imaginative play, allowing children to express themselves and explore their interests.

Why Choose the YMCA’s Pre-K Counts Program?

  • Experienced Educators: Our teachers are passionate about early childhood education and are dedicated to each child’s growth.
  • Family Engagement: We believe in partnering with families to support children’s learning and development.
  • Community Focused: As part of the YMCA, we are committed to strengthening our community and providing resources for all.

Enroll Your Little Hero Today!

Give your child the opportunity to develop their superpowers with the YMCA’s Pre-K Counts program. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to set your child on the path to success.

Enroll for free Pre-K Counts today and join us at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, where we help children discover their inner superheroes every day!