John Paul II Center for Special Learning

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John Paul II Center for Special Learning Providing quality individualized education for children and adults with special needs.

John Paul II Center is the only Catholic school in Berks County that provides a comprehensive educational program for children and adults (ages 3-21) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Adult Program was established to provide personalized assistance to adults (ages 21+) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This diverse day program focuses on maintaining and developing social and self-help skills. We are open to individuals of all faiths and religious beliefs, and have traditionally served Catholics and non-Catholics in equal numbers. We educate the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

On Friday, Amanda Stilianos and the Alvernia University undergrad students in the interprofessional healthcare course jo...
10/19/2026

On Friday, Amanda Stilianos and the Alvernia University undergrad students in the interprofessional healthcare course joined Dr. Tara Simmons from All Abilities Fitness Center, LLC for real-life experience with JPII students! What a fun day for all!

On Friday, Classes 5 and 6 teamed up with the therapists to carve pumpkins for a fun afternoon group activity! They lear...
10/19/2026

On Friday, Classes 5 and 6 teamed up with the therapists to carve pumpkins for a fun afternoon group activity! They learned about what's inside (seeds and more!) and everyone had a turn at scooping out the pumpkins! 🎃

🎉We are thrilled to officially introduce Jeremy, who just earned his ServSafe Food Handler Certification! This is a rigo...
10/19/2026

🎉We are thrilled to officially introduce Jeremy, who just earned his ServSafe Food Handler Certification! This is a rigorous professional credential that verifies master-level knowledge of food safety, personal hygiene, and kitchen sanitation.

As we prepare to open Special Blends Café by JPII , located in Alvernia University ’s American House (4th and Penn Streets, Reading), Jeremy’s hard work means our kitchen is in incredibly safe hands. When you stop in for a visit, you can always count on great service, friendly smiles, and top-tier safety standards.

“For students with special needs, this credential is not just a safety requirement, it is a powerful tool for independence, confidence, and career readiness,” says Rene Berkhammer, JPII’s Director of Transition. “Jeremy is the first student at JPII to attempt the safety course, so we are extremely proud of his accomplishment.”

“What makes this milestone even more incredible is that Pennsylvania law doesn't require general frontline staff to hold this certificate. Jeremy chose to go above and beyond the standard rules, studying hard to master food safety. He is now inspiring other JPII students and adults to earn their ServSafe certifications,” Berkhammer says.

We are so proud of your focus, dedication, and career-readiness, Jeremy! We can’t wait for you to show off your skills when our café opens in early 2027!

Drop a note in the comments to congratulate our newest certified team member!

☀️ A wonderful morning of community and gratitude! 💙💛This morning, Mrs. Simcik attended the Knights of Columbus breakfas...
10/18/2026

☀️ A wonderful morning of community and gratitude! 💙💛

This morning, Mrs. Simcik attended the Knights of Columbus breakfast to accept a generous donation from the St. Ignatius Knights of Columbus, collected during their annual golf tournament. ⛳️ We are incredibly grateful for their continued generosity, support, and all they do for JPII! Your kindness makes a lasting impact on our school community. 🙏

We look forward to seeing everyone again in December for Breakfast with Santa! 🎅🎄 Thank you for being such wonderful supporters of JPII! You make a difference for our students and participants!

10/18/2026
Thank you to Alvernia University and the occupational therapy interprofessional healthcare course undergrads for joining...
10/16/2026

Thank you to Alvernia University and the occupational therapy interprofessional healthcare course undergrads for joining us today for real-life experiences with JPII students! More photos to come!

Thanks again to the Cumru Twp Fire Station 42 for their fire prevention assembly and demonstration they held for us earl...
10/16/2026

Thanks again to the Cumru Twp Fire Station 42 for their fire prevention assembly and demonstration they held for us earlier this week! 🔥👨‍🚒

Andrew, Jenna and Gina enjoyed Wilcox Farms Corn Maze! What a beautiful day to be out and about!
10/15/2026

Andrew, Jenna and Gina enjoyed Wilcox Farms Corn Maze! What a beautiful day to be out and about!

Thank you to Miss Tabi from Redner's Warehouse Markets for delivering her delicious crab bisque for our soup fundraiser!...
10/15/2026

Thank you to Miss Tabi from Redner's Warehouse Markets for delivering her delicious crab bisque for our soup fundraiser! We are grateful for their continued support of JPII! 🍲

Address

1092 Welsh Road
Shillington, PA
19607

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday 8am - 3:30pm
Friday 8am - 3:30pm

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