Academics
BCCD’s academic program is designed to meet the unique needs of each learner while aligning with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). Our teachers collaborate closely with specialists and school leadership to develop differentiated educational plans tailored to each student. Instruction is enriched through the use of technology—including iPads, Smart Boards, Chromebooks, and a variety of web-based curriculum supports—while also encouraging creativity and personal expression among both students and staff.
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Our Orton-Gillingham–inspired reading program is designed to meet students where they are and support steady growth. We utilize evidence-based strategies, including the Lexia Core5 Reading Program, which provides explicit, systematic, and personalized instruction across the six essential areas of reading. Lexia also delivers norm-referenced performance data and analysis to guide instruction. Ongoing assessments, such as the DRA3 and DIBELS, ensure consistent progress monitoring and appropriate remediation. As required, all students participate in either the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) or the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment.
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BCCD offers a multi-tiered system of support that promotes independence and real-world readiness. All students participate in our Community-Based Instruction program, which prepares them for life beyond the classroom. Students ages 16 and older engage in internships at local businesses to gain meaningful work experience, while younger students participate in supervised community trips to local stores such as ShopRite and Target.
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Our student-centered schedule also includes Physical Education, an art therapy program, and a music therapy program that culminates in an annual holiday concert. In addition, our Speech-Language Pathologists work with students individually and in group settings to support communication development. Within students’ natural learning environments, our interdisciplinary team includes an Occupational Therapist who collaborates closely with teachers and families, a Physical Therapist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
“My son has learned so much since he has been at Bergen Center for Child Development. He has learned to be very organized and his talents are truly showing.”
– A BCCD Parent
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At Bergen Center for Child Development, we provide an intimate learning environment where students learn in ungraded classrooms and are grouped according to skill level and instructional needs. Instruction takes place in small classes or on a 1:1 basis, allowing for highly individualized support. Our curriculum addresses the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards across all areas of academic instruction.
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What truly sets Bergen Center apart is not only what we teach, but how we teach. Through individualized and differentiated instruction, our teachers are able to meet each student’s unique needs and IEP goals. Technology plays an important role across academic and special subject areas, as staff thoughtfully integrates current tools and programs to enrich learning and enhance student engagement.
Reading Matters!
Our elementary school reading specialist assesses each student’s language abilities and learning styles to support the development of appropriate, individualized reading goals. Students receive instruction through a combination of individual, small-group, and in-class support.
Teachers are trained in a wide range of evidence-based reading strategies, including Wilson Reading®, Edmark®, Writing with Symbols®, and Boardmaker®. Students also use Lexia® Core5 Reading, the only reading software compatible with Orton-Gillingham–based approaches such as the Wilson Language System. Lexia allows students to access instruction both at school and at home, while progress continues to be monitored by their classroom teacher.
