Bergen Center for Child Development was founded by parents as a non-profit school for the disabled in August 1968.
Since then, BCCD has continued to offer quality programming for multiply disabled students, aged 5-21, from the local counties of northern New Jersey.
A comprehensive academic school program is designed to meet the needs of students with both behavioral and cognitive needs.
A token economy, social skills training and cognitive therapy are provided to ensure student`s success, administered by certified school psychologist and social worker. The school has an extensive transition programs and an extended school year program is available for enrolled students, as well as those from other programs. Instruction is IEP driven, and all related services are provided accordingly.
On-going program and student assessment is essential to meeting the needs of our students. Contact your school district`s child study team for enrollment procedures.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 58 students
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- New Jersey students with special needs quilt blanket for hospital's children's fund - 03/06/2019Bergen Center students made a quilt and donated it to a local children's hospital. The student's also made a pillow for Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter.
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
cognition, behaviors, learning differences
Year Founded
1968
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
58 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
57%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
24%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Our students are neatly groomed and we assist them with presenting their best outward appearance
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition paid by your local board of education.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Tuition paid by your local board of education
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Tom Santagato, MA Ed.
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Agriculture, Community Garden Club, Girl Scouts, Rotary Interact Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Spring Musical
Agriculture, Community Garden Club, Girl Scouts, Rotary Interact Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Spring Musical
School Notes
SCHOOL PROMISE:
- To provide the kind of atmosphere and learning experience that enables each student to realize his or her maximum potential while maintaining the optimum level of self worth.
- We strive to provide an educational program that allows students to develop their individual potential. We believe that every child can become a vital member of the community. We use an interdisciplinary approach to education and design individual programs according to the developmental level of each student. Behavior programs are embedded in the learning environment. Students are encouraged to make connections with friends, the staff and community members. Our program provides the opportunity for every student to celebrate the thrill of success every day.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Bergen Center For Child Development?
The acceptance rate of Bergen Center For Child Development is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 78%.
Does Bergen Center For Child Development offer a summer program?
Yes, Bergen Center For Child Development offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Bergen Center For Child Development offer?
Bergen Center For Child Development offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Paddle Tennis and Swimming.
When is the application deadline for Bergen Center For Child Development?
The application deadline for Bergen Center For Child Development is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 1/29/2021
Bergen Center for Child Development is a home where students are nurtured and adored. Teachers work cooperatively to ensure that every aspect of the students' growth, however big or small, is celebrated. Small victories become incredible accomplishments, and the challenges that once held student's back are the very pillars of their success. The teachers welcome each student knowing that a unique person has entered the BCCD family. They work diligently with individualized programs to ensure that students' days are filled with exciting experiences that foster their strengths and also challenge them in ways that lead to visible growth. Bergen Center is a special place.
5 1/28/2021
Bergen Center is truly a remarkable place of learning. It is a setting where people demonstrate their abilities, feel valued, and work hard to accomplish great things. It is where education is a collaborative, cooperative activity and where the process of learning is a wonderful product in the making. It is where people possess untapped potential in all areas of worthwhile human endeavors. That potential is realized in policies, practices, programs and processes that are specifically designed to invite the personal development of students and teachers alike.
5 9/2/2015
Amazing school! Bergen Center has turned my daughter's life around. She isn't acting out anymore and she actually loves to go to school! The teachers are wonderful and have made incredible progress with her. For the first time she has friends at school. Everyone is so caring and hard working. It really is like a family there.
5 7/24/2015
My son had completely shut down at his previous school. He stopped trying or caring and hated going to school. His behaviors were getting increasingly aggressive and defiant both at home and at school until he started attending Bergen Center for Child Development. I am amazed at how quickly my son has found himself again. He is confident and eager to learn again. He no longer is bullied and has been warmly welcomed and accepted by his peers. The small ratio of students to teachers is a huge plus as well. I know my son is getting the individual attention and instruction that he really needs and is truly thriving at Bergen Center! A hidden gem right in Bergen County! So happy we found this school.
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