From Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania is a 2026 recipient of a $50,000 grant from The Wyomissing Foundation. The two-year grant funds the expansion of Club Curious, a free learn-and-play program for children ages birth to five who are not enrolled in a formal childcare setting in Berks County.
“Club Curious, a close-to-home program offered at no cost to families, was created to serve children and families who are most often left out of structured early childhood experiences, and every decision about how the program operates reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for children to learn and grow alongside peers before kindergarten,” said Lilibet Perez, Community Outreach Program Manager responsible for directing Club Curious.
According to 2024 data from KidsCount, only 23% of 3- and 4-year-olds in Berks County are enrolled in a publicly funded pre-K program, meaning more than three-quarters of children in those critical developmental years have no access to structured early learning. That gap is even more pronounced for infants and toddlers. Statewide, 77% of eligible infants and toddlers are unserved by subsidized childcare programs, leaving more than 80,000 Pennsylvania children without access to early care and education (Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, 2025 State of Early Care and Education).
Over the two-year grant period, Easterseals expects to serve a minimum of 40 families across 12 sessions in Year 1 and 60 families across 18 sessions in Year 2, with at least two established community partner sites.
“The purpose of Club Curious is to create stronger, natural support systems within the community in which the child is growing and learning,” said Dr. Mindy McCormick, D.S.W., President and CEO of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania. “Expanding the program into more community-based settings means more families will have access to this fun and engaging program. The program itself is not changing in design or purpose; rather, we are seeking to expand its reach into more neighborhoods.”
Club Curious was launched in 2024 and has grown steadily since. In 2025, the program served 23 families and 38 children across three sessions. Each session follows a consistent, engaging format built around four activities: a shared book, a craft, a game, and a nutritious snack. Activities are designed to build foundational developmental skills, including language, motor development, social interaction, and early literacy, while giving parents and caregivers concrete strategies they can use at home between sessions.
The Fall 2026 session of Club Curious in Berks is currently underway, Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., through Dec. 11 at Easterseals, 90 George St., Reading. Winter and spring session dates are to be announced. Additionally, a Lehigh Valley Winter 2027 session will take place at Cedar Crest College on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., in January, with dates to be announced.
ESEP’s early childhood programs serve families across seven counties. To learn more about Club Curious or register for a future session, connect with Lilibet Perez at 610-775-1431 x232 or lperez@esep.org.
About Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania has provided vital services to our region for over 100 years. They serve children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, and other social, sensory, and developmental disorders and their families through various programs designed to increase independence, maximize opportunities, minimize barriers, and enhance the quality of life. Throughout the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and northeastern Pennsylvania, Easterseals fosters environments where everyone is included and empowered regardless of ability. To learn more, visit eastpa.easterseals.com.
About The Wyomissing Foundation
Founded in 1926, The Wyomissing Foundation is a private foundation that uses its resources to serve as a catalytic agent, creating community impact that goes beyond providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. They provide thought leadership on critical community issues, develop and support place-based coalitions, and engage in community-wide collaborations and initiatives. In addition, they provide critically needed financial support through grants made for charitable purposes to address issues in health and human services, arts, education, environment, and community development. Learn more at wyomissingfoundation.org.
