The 50-hour course is entirely online and includes a combination of asynchronous course assignments, 8 hours of classroom observations, analysis, and 12 hours of clinical experience. The program’s main goal is to give the prospective teacher an overview of the teaching profession, featuring classroom management, lesson planning, and job search strategies. Topics include:
- Lesson planning
- Professional disposition and expectation
- School law and ethics that impact effective teaching practices
- Assessment-driven instructional models
- Technology in education
- Child development processes.
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the state’s requirements.
GPA (Grade Point Average) Requirement:
- Applicants who graduated prior to September 1, 2016: 2.75 or higher
- Applicants who graduated after September 1, 2016: 3.0 or higher
- Bergen Community College accepts teacher candidates who have earned the Limited Certificate of Eligibility. See the epartment of Education website for possible exceptions, the Limited CE Pilot Program.
Total Program Hours: 50 Hours
Required Textbook or Course Materials: The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher by Harry K. Wong; Rosemary T. Wong (ISBN: 9780976423386)
Instructor: Joseph Polvere [email protected]
Classroom: This self-paced online course allows you to progress at your own speed. All course materials are available on Canvas. Students will receive an email with Canvas access details three days prior to the course start date.
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Introduction to Teaching-Alternative Route
Course: Introduction to Teaching (Alternative Route)
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| April 20th, 2026 | June 19th, 2026 | $349 | |||||||||||||||||||
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SD-015 LEVEL 1: ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS
This is the first course of the Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional Training.
- MODULE 1: Understanding the Role of the Paraprofessional
- MODULE 2: Classroom Management & Interpersonal Skills
- MODULE 3: Behaviors – What Are They and What Do They Mean?
- MODULE 4: Strategies to De-escalate Behaviors
- MODULE 5: Supporting Students with Diverse Learning Needs( IEP’s/504)
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to pass background and health checks to comply with NJ school employment requirements.
Total Program Hours: 15 Hours
Schedule: Thursday, February 26 to April 2, 2026, 6:30-9:30 PM
Instructor: Jill Totka
Classroom: Paramus Campus, TBD
Tuition: $199
Students pay just $50, with the remaining $149 covered through financial support from NJCCC. Available for a limited time.
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Level 1 Essential Foundations
Course: Level 1 Essential Foundations
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| February 26th, 2026 | April 2nd, 2026 | $50 | |||||||||||||||||||
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The Child Development Associate program is a professional development opportunity for early educators working in a variety of settings with children ages birth to 5 years old and their families to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the Early Childhood Education field. The program is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals using multiple sources of evidence, including an exam, observation, and a professional portfolio. Topic includes:
- Demonstrate a strong developmental approach when working with young children and families
- Apply effective classroom practices to create developmentally appropriate learning environments
- Strengthen home–center connections through intentional strategies and communication
- Support parents with practical skills and resources to help them care for their children effectively
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or equivalent. No Prior Experience Needed
Total Program Hours: 120 Hours
Required Text: Essentials for Working with Young Children – This is required for all students. The workbook is not required.
Additional Text: Students must decide which age group they plan to specialize in to obtain their CDA and purchase the age group-appropriate edition, either Infant Toddler or Preschool, below.
Instructor: Anahi Vargas [email protected]
Instructor’s Webex Room: For the online Synchronous course, the WebEx link will be emailed to students three days prior to the course start date.
Upon completion of the CDA, a student who registers in an Education degree program at Bergen Community College can apply for six (6) college credits in Early Childhood Education. For more information on the PLA process, please contact Dr. Ilene Kleinman at [email protected].
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Child Development Associate (CDA) - 120 hours
Click here to request one.
Start a rewarding career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) supporting individuals with special needs. This 40-hour online RBT Training meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements and prepares you for certification. Gain the skills to work in schools, clinics, hospitals, or in-home care. This course is a 40-hour online training, including a 20-hour online module and 20 hours of live, instructor-led virtual classes. Topic includes:
- Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and the RBT Role
- Measurement and Assessment
- Skill Acquisition
- Behavior Reduction
- Professional Conduct and Ethics
- Documentation & Reporting
Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included.
Prerequisites: 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent. Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Total Program Hours: 40 Hours
Required Text: RBT Exam Prep & Curriculum Supplement TL2.2 (Fee $79)
This is a mandatory online module. The instructor will provide directions on the module during the first class. Students must wait to purchase it after the first class.
Instructor: Sean Reimers [email protected]
Instructor’s Webex Room: For the online Synchronous course, the Zoom link will be emailed to students three days prior to the course start date.
Upon completion of the RBT program and enrollment in the Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Education at Bergen Community College, a student will be awarded three (3) college credits for EDU-102 Inclusion and the Exceptional Child. These credits will be awarded to students who meet the admissions requirements for Bergen Community College. For more information on the articulation process, please contact Dr. Ilene Kleinman at [email protected]
Accommodations: Call the Disability Services at 201-612-5269.
Registered Behavior Technician
Click here to request one.