Second Street Learning Center

Serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years

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→ Program Overview
→ Program Descriptions by Age Group
→ Enrollment & Eligibility
→ FAQs
→ Location & Contact Information

Program Overview

The Second Street Learning Center is a trusted, welcoming environment where children from 6 weeks to 12 years old grow, learn, and thrive. We’re proud to be recognized as a Keystone STARS 4-Star Center — the highest quality rating awarded by Pennsylvania’s early learning initiative. Located in the heart of Reading, our center offers full-day childcare, free preschool through Pennsylvania’s PreK Counts program, and before/after school care with transportation options.

Our youngest learners are cared for by nurturing, experienced staff who support every stage of development—from tummy time to first steps. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy a play-based, literacy-rich curriculum that builds confidence, curiosity, and early academic skills.

For families with older children, we offer convenient before- and after-school programs that include homework help, arts and crafts, physical activity, and a nutritious snack. Transportation is available to and from select local schools.

At Second Street Learning Center, we create a supportive and enriching environment where every child is valued, and every family is welcomed.

Choosing the Right Program By Age

INFANT - 6 weeks to 11 months

The infant classroom is for children 6 weeks of age to 11 months. Our highly qualified staff is able to provide close attention to your little one. The children are able to crawl, learn to take small steps and begin to socialize with peers. Scheduled music and movement classes are a favorite of all our infants. Our staff is able to provide personal attention and promote basic intellectual and social skills by reading books, singing songs and emotionally supporting each child’s growth and development.

TODDLER - 11 months to 3 years old

Our toddler classroom is the first transition for infants. At 11 months they begin to spend part of their day in the toddler area. This classroom and is geared toward teaching our toddlers self-help skills, such as being potty trained, how to drink from a cup and self-feeding skills.

PRESCHOOL - 3 to 5 year olds

Our 3 to 5 year olds spend their days participating in early literacy activities, math, and comprehension skills through hands-on learning, structured activities and independent exploration. Work sampling as well as Ages and Stages measures the progress of child development throughout the year. The staff continues to nurture each child and supports the self-help skills that they began to learn as toddlers. As child develop we assess each child’s ability to recognize letters, shapes, colors, sight words and sounds.

PRE-K COUNTS - eligible 3 to 5 year olds

Eligible children, ages 3-5 years, spend their school day, Monday through Friday from 9:00 until 2:30 focusing on kindergarten readiness skills. Our Pennsylvania state licensed teachers provide hands-on activities in a variety of ways that focus on each child’s individual needs. The Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment tool is used to measure and monitor the progress of each child’s development throughout the school year. The Ages and Stages screening tool is used to evaluate each child’s current developmental levels to determine what areas are of the child’s strengths and what areas need to be focused on. The staff nurture each child and support their social-emotional development while focusing on literacy, math, cognitive, language and motor skills.

SCHOOL AGE - 5 to 12 years old

As children reach their school-age years they enjoy peer socialization, fun games, introductory learning experiences and time outside for physical activity. The children are offered a variety of centers and activities based on the STAR program, and are assisted and supported with their school work each day. They also have access to Reading Eggs, a literacy based software program that enhances literacy skills. In the summer this age group has the opportunity to participate in off-site activities.

Enrollment & Eligibility

Enrollment Requirements

✅ Copy of child’s most recent physical (on DHS approved form)
✅ Copy of child’s immunization record
✅ Child’s social security card
✅ Child’s medical insurance card
✅ Parent/Guardian’s photo identification
📄 Parent Handbook

Pre-K Counts

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, brings quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to 3 and 4 year olds in Pennsylvania. This program is free to eligible families
📄 Pre-K Counts Flyer (English)
📄 Pre-K Counts Application (English) (PDF)
📄 Pre-K Counts Flyer (Español)
📄 Pre-K Counts Application (Español) (PDF)

Ready to Enroll?

FAQs

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Q. Do you provide meals for the kids in daycare?

A: We provide 3 meals and 3 snacks a day for the children. Meals and snacks are included in our fees.

Q: Do you provide transportation?

A: Transportation is provided during the school year for children attending schools in the Reading school district as well as all Catholic schools in the Reading. Transportation is included in our fees.

Q: What are the hours of the Second Street Learning and Technology Center?

A: Monday through Friday from 5:30 am until 6:30 pm.

Q: Do you take children in the daycare program with special needs?

A: Yes, we accept children with a variety of special needs. Children are evaluated on a case by case basis. (We are not able to provide tube-feeding.) For specific questions, please call Tatiana Cardona, Learning Center Director at 610-374-4696 ext 295 or via email at tcardona@opphouse.org.

Q: What do I need to bring in order to register my child at the Second Street Learning Center?

Please bring the following:

Copy of child’s most recent physical
Copy of child’s immunization records
Child/Children’s Social Security Card
Child/Children’s Medical Card
Your Photo I.D.

Q: What do I need to drop off with my child for infant care?

A: Diapers, a change of clothing, and pre-made formula.

Q: What does it mean to be an accredited Keystone STAR 4 Center?

A: Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources) provides families with a tool to gauge the quality of early learning programs. As programs move up the STARS ladder, they are providing even higher quality experiences, so your child benefits even more from the program. Early learning programs can earn STAR 1 to a STAR 4 level. To learn more visit: www.pakeys.org. We are accredited through the Keystone Stars Program (Star 4) and are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of the learning program through Keystone STARS while maintaining compliance with program regulations.

CONTACT US

Questions about the School?

Contact Tatiana Cardona, Director
Phone: 610-374-4696, x295
Email: tcardona@opphouse.org

Necesita ayuda en espanol?

Contactar a Scarlen Jimenez, Learning Center Manager
Phone: 610-374-4696 x245
Email: sjimenez@opphouse.org

Questions About Enrollment?

Contact Viola Jones
Phone: 610-374-4696
Email: vjones@opphouse.org

Program Questions?

Crystal Rowles, Assistant Director/Education Specialist
Phone: 610-374-4696, x250
Email: crowles@opphouse.org

second street learning and technology center

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