Bergen Center For Child Development

• PHILOSOPHY & MISSION: The philosophy of the Bergen Center for Child Development is to educate the students using individualized instruction based upon present levels of educational performance.  Behavioral techniques and task analysis are utilized to facilitate the students’ performance as provided by the sending district’s Child Study Team.  Each child receives an educational program based upon his/her academic, emotional, and social levels.  The goal of the school is to provide the students with skills necessary for successful adult living as contributing members of society. The mission of the Bergen Center is based upon meeting the intellectual, social, emotional, and psychological needs of each student.  The Bergen Center provides an individualized Education Program where each student progresses at his/her own pace.  By working together across disciplines, we are able to enable each student to reach their full potential. Educational Goals  To provide our students with a learning environment that is flexible, supportive, and appropriate to their individual needs. To provide our students with an integrated and enriched educational program, which allows them to achieve educational and personal goals. To create a learning environment that incorporates Common Core State Standards, adapted to give students the opportunity to maximize their strengths and compensate for their learning differences. To evaluate our students’ progress consistently and to adjust their individualized program to fit their needs. To provide our students with an educational setting that promotes intellectual curiosity and a positive attitude toward life-long learning.  EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: The Bergen Center for Child Development, Inc. was founded by parents as a non-profit school for the handicapped in August of 1968.  Since that time, Bergen Center for Child Development has continued to offer quality programming for multiply disabled students, ages 5 through 21, from the local counties of northern New Jersey. Bergen Center for Child Development is a Charter Member of the New Jersey Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped and a member of the National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children. Our school is extremely proud that instructional strategies reflect the Common Core State Standards and various learning styles of our students.  Ongoing assessment is key to meeting the needs of our student population.  The program is designed to increase academic, emotional, social, pre-vocational, and life skills. Bergen Center for Child Development offers a ten-month program.  An extended school year is available for those students whose I.E.P. stipulates this service.  The school hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Transportation is provided by the sending district.  Hot lunches, under the Federal Child Nutrition Program, are prepared daily in our kitchen.  Free and reduced price lunches are available upon application by the parent. Our student body participates in a Food Drive during the holiday season and donates the proceeds to those in need.  Students also assist in cooking a Thanksgiving holiday feast for the entire school. Bergen Center for Child Development participates in an intramural School Basketball Team.  Games are played with other private schools, which provides our students with an opportunity to meet peers outside of the Bergen Center for Child Development environment.  Students must be in good academic standing and demonstrate appropriate behavior in order to participate on this team.  A cheerleading team supports the players at various games. Student Council is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about government and assist in enhancing their school environment.  Class representatives are elected every November and meet regularly to discuss school issues.  Student Council members are expected to conduct themselves as role models for their peers. Interact Club, sponsored by the Northern Valley Rotary Club, is a school-based club that provides service to the community.  Presently we assist with Bergen County Meals on Wheels, Therapy Dogs International and local nursing homes.  Special events at Bergen Center for Child Development allow parents/guardians to socialize and educate themselves about topics that are important to their family.  Parents/guardians are also encouraged to attend special events and field trips during the school day. At the end of the school year, every student is presented with a Bergen Center for Child Development Yearbook at no cost to his or her family.  This yearbook documents the many events at our school and is organized and assembled by staff and students. ADMISSIONS: Application to Bergen Center for Child Development is initiated by the local public school’s Child Study Team and parent/guardian.  The Child Study Team will forward, with parent/guardian approval, all medical evaluations, Child Study Team evaluations, and a current I.E.P.  Parent/guardian and the applicant must visit the school prior to acceptance. If the parent/guardian and Child Study Team approve placement, medical documents (physical and immunizations) must be provided to Bergen Center for Child Development prior to a student’s first day. An Annual Instructional Guide is developed by the Bergen Center for Child Development teacher.  The sending district also updates the essential components of the I.E.P. in a timely manner.  Both parent/guardian and Child Study Team must approve, and sign the Instructional Guide before the Educational Program is implemented.  Four Progress Reports per year are prepared and mailed to the parent/guardian and Child Study Team. BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: The Bergen Center for Child Development uses a token economy point system to teach new behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors. Students earn points in all of their classes. Points are earned by successfully accomplishing or performing a target behavior during the class period. Five behavioral areas will be chosen to work on. For example, a target behavior may be “Working consistently throughout the period.” If the student does this, then they earn a point for accomplishing that task. They can earn five (5) points during each period. Should they do so, they will be entitled to one bonus point. An additional bonus point can be added each period for exemplary behavior.  The points will be recorded by the teacher on the point card each period. Students earn points from all classes.  Teachers will be keep records for students. Points can be used to buy items at The School Store. Success with point areas will also be used to determine student’s level and allow additional privileges.  BASIC PRINCIPLES: Once a point is earned, it is never taken away. Point sheets are to be marked for each target behavior with a (1), (+), (x) or ().  If a target behavior is not met during a particular class period then the box associated with that behavior is left blank.Language used should always be positive.  Avoid words that are negative when addressing students (students make bad choices, they have a bad day however they are never bad.)Behaviors on a student’s card will always be stated in the positive showing the student what behavior is acceptable and expected. Clip art can be added or substituted as a target behavior on the point card. POINT CARD:  Teachers will be responsible for point cards. Teachers may use daily or weekly point cards. Point weeks run from Thursday until the following Wednesday. Teachers will meet with the counseling staff and administrator briefly each Wednesday afternoon to discuss problems and or student levels. Teachers are to have point totals for the previous point week available by Friday morning for school store. SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL LEVEL SYSTEM:  The behavioral system is to teach students about the relationship between work expectations and job performance in the work place. The teacher is the employer The student’s assignment is the job/task to be completed The point card evaluates the student’s disposition and performance, which ultimately effects job status (level) and pay (points). The level system is designed to reflect promotion/demotion and corresponding earning rates within the program. It is our intention to teach a work ethic that will hopefully increase our student’s successes when placed at a job in their future.  ENTRY LEVEL POSITION OR BRONZE(less than 75% of points earned)*  May spend points at the school store. May go on educational based trips only with the principal’s permission. May participate in special incentive teacher activities. May participate in classroom earned rewards designated by the teacher.  GAINFULLY EMPLOYED OR SILVER(76% to 95% of points earned)*  May spend earned points at the school store May go on all educational based trips and may be included on some special trips arranged for the managerial level students. May participate in special incentive teacher activities. May participate in classroom earned rewards designated by the teacher.  MANAGERIAL POSITION OR GOLD(96% and above)*  May spend earned points at the school store. May go on all educational based trips and will be included on all special trips. May participate in special incentive teacher activities. May participate in classroom earned rewards designated by the teacher.  The Managerial Level student must at all times: Meet the level token requirement for consideration at least three (3) weeks. Demonstrate respectful and courteous behavior in a variety of circumstances, even when upset or troubled. Demonstrate the use of skills learned to manage interpersonal conflicts & crises. Utilizes the staff to assist in the management of issues without becoming a disruption to the teaching process or to others. Demonstrate a work ethic that is consistent with their ability. Demonstrates the ability to self-monitor without a point card. (Students at this level earn 6 points per period and can earn and additional bonus point each period.)  IMPORTANT NOTICE!  Any issues regarding an assault on staff or other students will result in an automatic level drop regardless of the number of points earned.  ACTIVITIES:  Activities will be scheduled throughout the school year. Special activities will be developed during the year.  Suggestions from students will be considered. There will also be special trips as well. These will include movies, bowling and game activities. Student levels will be used to determine eligibility for activities and trips.  SCHOOL STORE:  The Bergen Center School Store will be open on Friday mornings. Store articles are purchased using the points students have earned. No money may be spent at the store. Each class is scheduled during the morning. You may not leave the quiet room to come to store. If you are in the quite room when store is called, you may not come to store for that Friday.  *Levels are determined by dividing the actual points earned the by total number of possible points.  This is necessary for shortened weeks. Bergen Center for Child Development addresses behavioral concerns and at times, it may be necessary to implement an individualized behavior management plan with your child in an effort to decrease inappropriate behavior.  An individualized behavior management plan will not be considered until positive alternatives are exhausted.  When a behavior management plan is necessary, a functional analysis will be conducted and baseline data collected.  The Teacher, Social Worker, Psychologist, and Director/Principal will discuss and decide on a strategy.  Parents will receive a Behavior Management Plan Permission Slip.  Parental permission is required before any individual behavior management plan will be implemented.  Parents will be kept advised of the effectiveness of the strategy.  The Bergen Center for Child Development does not employ aversive procedures.  Each Behavior Management Procedure is reviewed and updated on a yearly basis. Crisis Intervention If during a student’s tenure at the Bergen Center for Child Development, he/she is a danger to himself/herself or others, and alternative techniques have not been successful in de-escalating the student’s behavior, physical control may be required.  Behaviors include, but are not limited to, any aggressive behavior, self-injurious behavior, and property destruction.  Physical restraint will be used as a last resort, and the decision to utilize such a technique will be authorized by a Non Abusive and Physical Psychological Intervention trained staff member. Physical control may only be initiated and performed by staff that has been certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention.  Only Crisis prevention Intervention techniques will be utilized.  All staff are routinely trained in CPI. When physical control is required, a certified staff member will observe the procedure. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified within one hour of the conclusion of the physical control procedure. Following the use of a physical control procedure, the student will be seen by the nurse. The physical control incident will be documented on the Bergen Center for Child Development Incident Form and forwarded to the Director of Bergen Center for Child Development. If the student’s behavior necessitates transport to a Bergen Regional Medical Center, parent/guardian is required to meet staff and student in the Emergency Room.  BUS BEHAVIOR: All students being transported to Bergen Center for Child Development must be considerate of the safety and well-being of fellow passengers.  Misconduct on a bus can distract the driver’s attention from his/her primary responsibility of transporting all students safely to/from school. For the safety of all students, please encourage your child to obey the following bus rules: Listen and respond to the driver or aide at all times. Enter and leave the bus in turn, no pushing or crowding. Be seated at all times and wear your seat belt. Talk in a reasonable voice, no calling out to people passing, no profane or abusive language or gestures. Hands to yourself.  No borrowing or sharing on the bus. Keep the bus clean.  No eating or drinking on the bus. Students who break bus rules will be reported and documented by bus personnel to the school office.  The student’s parent/guardian will be notified of the student’s infraction and the action taken by the district/school or bus company. LUNCH TIME BEHAVIORS: Students will learn appropriate social behaviors in the lunchroom and will follow the rules listed below: Students will keep their voices at a reasonable level.  They will listen to the teacher/paraprofessionals on duty.  Polite conversation is encouraged. Students will remain seated unless instructed to do otherwise. Students will clean up eating areas, including the floor.Students will use appropriate table manners at all times. All food must be eaten at an assigned table. Students must ask staff for permission to get up from the table. Students are not to visit other lunch tables without a teacher’s permission.Students may use bathrooms in the gymnasium. Students must be given permission to leave the lunchroom by staff. Hats are not to be worn at any time during lunch.  GENERAL RULES OF THE SCHOOL: Students will come to school prepared and ready to participate in school and class activities. Students will demonstrate socially acceptable behaviors.  (No fighting, pushing, inappropriate language or gestures, etc.) Students will follow all safety procedures on the bus and in school. Problems arise each year when students bring hazardous articles or weapons to school, causing safety concerns for students and staff members.  Items such as toy guns, water pistols, knives, bean shooters, sling shots, etc., will be confiscated.  They will be returned to the parent/guardian at the parent/guardian upon request.  They will not be sent home with the student on the bus.  The Police Department will be notified for certain weapons. Electronic devices such as pocket video games, and cellular telephones may be brought on the bus.  Bergen Center for Child Development is not responsible for any of these items. Candy/gum chewing is not permitted in school.  No soda or bottle drinks are to be brought to school. Stealing will result in an immediate referral to the Administration.  Appropriate disciplinary action will follow. School attire should be neat, clean, appropriate, and in good taste.  A good self-image is fostered through appropriate dress.  Safety, health, and good taste should be considered when selecting school attire. Sneakers must be worn for all gym related activities. Unacceptable Attire: Clothing, pins, stickers, banners with inappropriate or suggestive language. Tank tops, half shirts, see-through blouses, or any type of shirt/blouse where the midriff is showing.Shorts that are shorter than mid-thigh, cut offs or spandex. Shirts or hats advocating alcohol or party expressions, inappropriate language or suggestive language.  Hats should not be worn in the school building. Excessively short skirts or dresses. Unlaced or untied sneakers. Pants pulled down around the hips. Flip flop footwear. Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be referred to the office and  their parent/guardian will be called.   GENERAL DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES: Students who violate the school bus rules, general rules of the school or classroom rules will be subject to a standard discipline plan, as follows: Students will be warned by the teacher about inappropriate behavior. If the situation continues, the teacher will notify the office of the student’s behavior and the student will meet with the Administration. A phone call will be made to the parent/guardian if the student’s behavior continues and he/she refuses to adhere to the school rules. Conference with the student to review the behavior(s) the student is exhibiting. Possible referral to School Psychologist or School Social Worker for consultation. Possible In-school suspension with parent/guardian contact. Possible Out of school suspension, which may require a meeting with parent/guardian/CST before reinstatement. All students who receive in-school suspension will be supervised and required to   complete all class assignments for the day.  SUSPENSION AND/OR TERMINATION: Conduct that will constitute cause for suspension or termination shall include but not be limited to any of the following: Continued and willful disobedience. Open defiance of the authority of any teacher, paraprofessional, or specialist. Conduct which constitutes continuing danger to the physical well being of other students or staff members. Physical assault upon another student or staff member. Taking or attempting to take personal property including but not limited to money from another student or school employee. Willfully causing or attempting to cause damage to school property. Known possession, consumption, or distribution of controlled substances or alcohol.  Prior to a proposed suspension, the student will be entitled to a hearing with his/her teacher, Administration, School Social Worker, and Psychologist, at which time the student will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances for the misbehavior. The Bergen Center for Child development has the right to terminate services for students whose behaviors are endangering the well-being of other students or personnel. Prior to proposed termination, the student and his/her, parent/guardian will have the right to a meeting with the administration, the child study team, and the student’s teacher. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, the school district will be notified of the Bergen Center for Child Development’s intention to terminate services and a fifteen (15) day notification will be to the parent/guardian and school district. SCHOOL VISITS: We encourage parents/guardians to observe their students periodically during the year.  In an effort to minimize the distraction to the children, we ask that you schedule an appointment with the secretary in order to limit the number of people in each classroom.  We ask that you keep your observation to a maximum of thirty minutes.  You must ring the bell to gain access to the school during school hours.  Please sign in with the receptionist at the main office upon your arrival. HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION: We encourage open and frequent communication, a daily contract is provided for notes between parents and the teacher.  Parents may also call their child’s teacher before 8:00 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m.  Please call during the school day only if there is an emergency.  The Administration, School Psychologist, and School Social Worker are available for telephone calls during the day.  Meetings can be scheduled as needed with the teacher and/or specialists in addition to your child’s annual review. The staff would like to encourage parents to let us know when they have a concern.  Feedback from parents is valued.   Students are not able to receive phone calls during the day.  If it is an emergency, please speak to the Director, Social Worker or Psychologist.  ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES: Any student absent from school will be required to bring a note explaining his/her absence from his/her parent or guardian. Any student absent from school for more than three (3) days will be required to bring in a doctor’s note stating that he/she can return to school. Attendance is kept on a daily basis by each classroom teacher. It is your responsibility to notify your child’s bus company when he/she is absent or if you will be picking up your child early from school. Please call the school before 8:00 a.m. whenever your child will be absent from school.  If your child has a contagious illness, please notify the school so that we will be able to notify parents to be aware of symptoms in their child.   Child Study Teams are notified when the student is absent for five (5) consecutive days and are provided with regular attendance reports. To report your child’s absence, please call (201) 385-4857. CALENDAR: The school year begins in early September and runs through the end of June.  There is also an extended school year program for the month of July.  A school calendar is provided or you can view the calendar at our web site http://www.bergencenter.com/. SCHOOL HOURS: School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.  Each child has his/her individual schedule that he/she follows. Students will be accepted into the building at 8:00 a.m. Dismissal will begin promptly at 2:15 pm.  Lunch break is 11:45 a.m. Each class has 30 minutes for lunch.  Early dismissal is at 12:30 p.m.   EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR: The Bergen Center runs an extended school year for 30 days each July and August.  School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.  Most students have been approved to attend in the summer.  If you are not sure, or your child is not approved for the summer, contact your district case manager to obtain permission.  EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: If school is cancelled in the event of inclement weather or an emergency, parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible.  Parents/guardians will also be notified if there is a delayed opening.  In the event of an early closing, parents are required to make arrangements for someone to be home to meet the child.  The Bergen Center calls the transporters to notify them of closings, delays and early dismissals, however parents are also asked to call their child’s bus driver to report the changed in pick up or return time.  Parents must provide the school with current emergency phone numbers.  SCHOOL CLOSINGS/INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather, please listen to WOR RADIO 710 AM, (web site www.wor710.com) as they will announce the closing or delayed opening of school for the day.  The following television stations will also announce the closing or delayed opening of school for the day: FOX (5) (web site www.fox5ny.com), NBC (4) (web site www.nbc4.com/closings), and News 12 New Jersey (web site www.news12.com).   Decisions are made based on conditions in Haworth, New Jersey.  Our students come from all over northern New Jersey.  Weather conditions can vary a great deal from one county to the next.  You have the right and the responsibility to make your own decisions about your local weather conditions and the safety of your child.  If the school is open and your local conditions are poor error on the side of safety and keep your child home for the day. HOMEWORK: Homework is a link between the home and school.  It allows you to see what your child is working on and also provides reinforcement for newly acquired skills.  It is important to make sure that your child completes his/her homework and that it is turned in on time.  Some classes may not give homework on a regular basis.  Homework will not be given on Friday unless your child has not completed an assignment.  Students who did not complete their homework will be given an opportunity to do so in school. PLAYGROUND RESPONSIBILITIES: Students can enjoy the use of the playground only if certain safety rules are followed by all students.  Students who violate the safety rules or act aggressively toward others will not be allowed to participate in the playground activities. Students will listen and respond to staff. Students will use all equipment properly and safely. Students will cooperate and use good manners. Students will stay within the boundaries of the playground.BERGEN CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT POLICIES: Label all items sent to school which belong to your child, especially clothing, lunchboxes, etc.  The staff will not be responsible for unlabeled items. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately with regard to the weather, as he/she will go outside to play. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is picking up a student, the school must have written notification.  Proper identification will be required for persons picking up the student. You must supply the school with contact numbers in case of emergency.  Emergency contacts must be authorized to pick up your child or meet your child’s bus, and should know how to contact you. POLICIES PERTAINING TO STUDENTS: At no time does the public have access to records unless a Release of Information is signed by parent/guardian or adult student.  No student may appear in a Press Release or any other publicity without a Release signed by parent/guardian or adult student.  Upon completion of educational services, all pupil records are returned to the sending district. No student is released to anyone without parent/guardian written or verbal approval.  Students are supervised at all times, and if a child leaves school grounds without permission, the local Police Department is immediately called.  Parent/guardian is contacted immediately to come to the school.  Members of the Crisis Team follow the student to ensure his/her safety. HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING (HIB) POLICY The Bergen Center prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying of a pupil.  A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards.  Our school’s Anti-Bullying Coordinator is Ms. Susan Morton 201-385-4857.  Please report any complaints as soon as possible to Ms. Morton.  To view the entire policy, please go to our web site http://www.bergencenter.com/#!__anti-bullying-policy INTERNET USE POLICY: The Bergen Center supports access by pupils to information sources but reserves the right to limit in school use to materials appropriate to educational purposes.  All students are obligated to comply with the school’s guidelines for internet use.  While the Bergen Center uses a filtering system to block objectionable web sites, this can at times fail.  Therefore, students shall not: Use the computer network(s)/computers for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities. Use the computer network(s)/computers to violate copyrights, institutional or third party copyrights, license agreements or other contracts. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action. ELECTRONIC DEVICES:   Electronic devices including but not limited to MP # Players, cell phones, camera phones, videotaping equipment, digital cameras, IPODS, beepers, earphones, etc. cannot be used on the school grounds between the hours of 8:00 am and 2:15 pm.  Students who bring them to school must keep them in their backpack.  These items can be used for educational or recreational purposes with approval from the teacher. BERGEN CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT HEALTH POLICIES: In our attempt to maintain our philosophy of parent/guardian and school working together to provide for the optimal health and welfare of the entire school population, we urgently request that you take time at home each morning to assess child’s health before he/she leaves for school. Reasons for Keeping Your Child at Home: Illness during the night. Fever of 100 degrees or more (keep child at home 24 hours after temperature returns to normal without the use of fever reducing medications.) Complaints/symptoms of nausea, headache or abdominal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Keep child at home 24 hours after vomiting or diarrhea has stopped. Symptoms of communicable disease are noted: e.g., sore throat, “red” eyes, swollen glands, rash, cough, etc. Sprains, fractures, etc. that require home recovery as advised by physician. Please Notify School: If hospitalization of child becomes necessary.  Student needs medical clearance to return to school. If a communicable disease is present.  Student needs medical clearance to return to school. Please Send a Note: When your child returns after every absence, stating the reason for his/her absence. A medical note is required when your child returns to school after having an injury or communicable disease. When your telephone number has changed/emergency contact, number has changed. When you change your place of employment, (this information is essential if emergency contact becomes necessary.) If your child is to take a prescribed medication at school, we are only able to administer medication when accompanied by a doctor’s note and the medication is sent in the original prescription bottle.POLICY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL: A “Parental Request/Physician’s Statement” form will be completed and signed before medication administration is initiated.  This includes over the counter medications. This form will be updated on a yearly basis. All medications will be administered from the original properly labeled container identifying recipient, medication, dosage, time to be given, and doctor’s name. Any changes in medication or dosage will require a new request form signed by parent or physician. Any medications that are discontinued during school hours will require parent and physician documentation. No medications will be administered unless the policy is followed. Contact the nurse if you need a permission slip for administration of medication at school. Medication must be given directly to the bus driver who must give it to school staff.  No medication should be sent in a student’s lunchbox or backpack.  In the event that your bus company is not willing to handle the medication, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to personally deliver the medication. PHYSICALS: It is required that all students receive a physical exam upon admission to Bergen Center for Child Development.  It is also recommended that students receive an annual physical by their primary care provider.  If you have difficulty obtaining a physical, contact your Child Study Team or the School Nurse. IMMUNIZATION: Bergen Center for Child Development strictly adheres to Chapter 14, of the New Jersey State Sanitary Code, Immunization of Pupils in Schools.  Student’s record of inoculations is filed within the school.  In the event that a student’s inoculations are out of date, or when a booster inoculation is required, the parents/guardians and case manager of the sending district Child Study Team will be sent written notification.  Proof that the student has received the inoculation or that the immunization is being processed by a physician or health official, will substantiate a student’s placement on a provisional basis for one month.  Following that period, proof of inoculation must be presented to the administration, or the student will be excluded from school.   ANCILLARY SERVICES: Medical: Under the direction of the school nurse, annual hearing, vision, blood pressure, and scoliosis screenings are done at no charge.  Results or recommendations are given in writing to the parent/guardian.  Upon written prescription and instructions by a physician, medications are administered during the school day.  Emergency medical treatment is provided by the closest hospital. Speech/Language Therapy: Speech/Language Therapy is provided for students throughout the school year by certified Speech-Language Specialists.  Augmented communication, speech, and articulation training is provided as per screening and the IEP. Reading Specialist: Students are assessed for Language Arts strengths and weaknesses upon entrance to Bergen Center. Individualized and/or small group reading support is provided for students throughout the school year by a certified reading specialist. Skills addressed include Foundational Skills, Using Conventions of Standard English in reading, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use and Comprehension Skills. Informational reading and functional reading skills are emphasized. In addition, classroom support is provided to the teachers as appropriate. Counseling: Counseling is provided by a certified School Psychologist and School Social Worker.  Individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention, are provided based upon the individual needs of the students.  Family counseling and behavioral intervention techniques are available to parents/guardians upon request. Social Work: Social Work services are provided by a certified School Social Worker.  Students and their families are provided with information about various community agencies and services that may assist them.  Regular counseling and crisis intervention services are provided as needed. Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapy is provided upon IEP requirements by a certified Occupational Therapist.  Individualized or small group treatment plans are implemented and quarterly reports denote progress.  Special adaptive appliances are provided based upon the needs of the student. Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy is provided by a licensed Physical Therapist per I.E.P. requirements.  Individual or small group rehabilitation sessions, as well as special equipment adaptations, are based on the individual needs of the student.  Quarterly reports are provided to denote progress.  The Sending District is responsible for payment for this service.   Music: Music instruction is provided to all students.  The program reflects the New Jersey Standards and is designed to foster the potential for musical expression in each student. Art: Art instruction is provided for all students of the school by a certified teacher.  Various media are presented in the program to enhance perceptual development and self-esteem.  Displays of student artwork are located throughout the facility. Career Education: Career Education services or Community Based Instruction are provided by staff and related outside agencies.  Students volunteer, visit job sites, and participate in gainful employment.  At Bergen Center for Child Development, career exploration assignments are provided by local businesses. FIELD TRIPS: Field trips to places of interest for educational or recreational purposes are supervised by teachers and other Bergen Center staff.  Appropriate behavior and dress are required of all students and all school rules apply.  Any student going on a school-sponsored field trip must have permission of a parent before leaving on the trip.  Permission forms will be provided by the teacher in charge several days before the trip.  Students must remain with their group at all times.  All students not participating in the field trip are expected to attend school as usual.   PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS: Printed progress reports and report cards will be sent home four times per school year and once at the end of the extended school year.  These reports will also be sent to your child’s district case manager. STAFF AND QUALIFICATIONS: The administration and all other staff members hold appropriate certifications in their fields, licensed by the State of New Jersey.  The school is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  It hires staff without regard to sex, race, age, national origin or handicapping condition. RECORDS: The laws of New Jersey require that student records be kept in the school office.  They contain the I.E.P.’s, progress reports, test results, signed consent forms, copies of any letters sent or received, and reports of any accidents. You are allowed to read and review any and all of your child’s educational records, which are kept in a locked cabinet in the school office.  You must make an appointment to see the records. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: In New Jersey, the law requires that all children between the ages of 3 - 21 regardless of degree of handicap must have a free, appropriate education.  Children cannot be kept from attending school because of their handicaps.  The State Department of Education and the local districts must have procedures to identify and evaluate all children from birth to age 21. Each child must receive a comprehensive evaluation that fairly assesses his/her ability by a team made up of a school psychologist, social worker, teachers, doctors, other specialists as needed, administrators and parents.  A number of tests, procedures and observations are used in the evaluation. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) details how a student will get the “free appropriate education.”  It is written by the Child Study Team, the parents, and educator and must contain a program that is specific to the child’s educational needs.  It should include an assessment of his/her present level of educational performance, learning goals and instructional objectives, specific educational services (how long they will be received, how often, etc.), and how the IEP will be evaluated.  You may request a review or revision at any time, but it must be done at least once a year.  The Bergen Center for Child Development140 Park Street Haworth, New Jersey 07641Voice: (201) 385 – 4857Fax: (201) 385 - 4997http://www.bergencenter.com

Profile last updated: 03/06/2016