New Providence, NJ: Elem school starting behavioral development program

May 30, 2025, Tap into New Providence: New Providence School District Introducing New Behavioral Development Program

New Providence School District will start a new elementary school behavioral development program this fall. Dr. Joseph Harvey, Director of Special Services, introduced the program at the Thursday, May 29 Board of Education (BOE) meeting.

Harvey explained that behavioral disabilities are “conditions that impact a child’s ability to control emotions and behavior, leading to difficulties in learning, socialization, and development.” Behavioral outbursts can disrupt students’ learning environment. Behavioral disabilities can impede a student’s ability to succeed academically and socially. He noted that some students may require specific coping skills instruction.

Harvey also explained the advantages of building this new program. He noted that a regular classroom setting may not provide the necessary structure and focus for some students.

There has been an increase in behavioral disabilities among elementary age children in New Providence and nationwide. Superintendent Lauren Zirpoli noted that there was an uptick of behavioral issues after children returned to school from covid restrictions. Harvey added that having a special program within the district allows students to stay in their local environment, instead of attending costly out-of-district institutions.

The program is set to begin this fall at the Salt Brook Elementary School which has adequate space for it. The program allows a small class size with one teacher and one aide. A special intervention area is also staffed by a trained aide. The highly structured learning environment allows positive behavioral support to students. Students review behavioral goals each day with a reward system to encourage desired behavior. The district is using the NewMark program for training and consultation.

The goal of the program is to help students overcome behavioral and emotional difficulties so that they will be able to attend regular classes after elementary school grades. The program focuses on the following skill areas: problem solving, social skills, decision making, emotion management, and delayed gratification.

The program is available for special education students. “Decisions about placement in this program will be made by a child’s IEP team, with consultation from the district behaviorist, case manager, and director.” Decisions about exiting this program and participating in mainstream settings will also be considered by the IEP team on an ongoing basis, Harvey said.

The board appointed Kelly Hawkins as the behavioral development teacher effective Sep. 1, 2025.