Rutgers Day School

Integrated clinical, educational, and behavioral support helping build skills, stability, and success.

Foundations of Our Program

At Rutgers Day School, our approach is built on three core pillars: integrated clinical services, individualized educational support, and consistent behavioral management—working together to support each student’s growth and success.

Specialized Learning & Support

Rutgers Day School (RDS) is an out-of-district special education program located within the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) building in Piscataway. Our school is designed to support children whose psychiatric, behavioral, and learning challenges make it difficult for them to succeed in traditional school settings. Through a highly structured and supportive environment, RDS provides students with the stability and individualized attention they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Classroom with tables, chairs, a whiteboard, educational displays, and a colorful island-themed bulletin board.

Integrated Educational and Therapeutic Support

Our Program provides a highly structured, supportive learning environment that integrates individualized educational instruction with comprehensive therapeutic services. Designed to meet the diverse needs of children and adolescents, the Program fosters academic growth, social-emotional development, communication skills, and positive behavioral outcomes. Through close collaboration among educators, therapists, families, and related service providers, students receive coordinated support tailored to their unique strengths and needs. Therapeutic interventions are embedded throughout the school day, promoting skill development across academic, social, and community settings. The Program emphasizes relationship-building, self-regulation, independence, and meaningful engagement in learning, helping students develop the skills necessary for success in school and beyond.

Classroom reading and activity corner with a colorful space-themed play tent, bookshelves, student artwork, and learning materials.

Who We Serve and How to Access Services

Rutgers Day School serves children and adolescents with diverse educational, behavioral, emotional, and therapeutic needs who require a highly structured and supportive educational setting. Through an integrated approach that combines specialized instruction, related services, and therapeutic supports, students receive individualized programming designed to promote academic achievement, social-emotional growth, communication development, and increased independence. Access to the Program is initiated through a student’s resident school district. Referrals must be submitted by the district’s Child Study Team or other designated school personnel as part of the placement and evaluation process. Families interested in learning more about the Program are encouraged to contact their resident school district to discuss whether a referral is appropriate for their child’s educational needs. Our team collaborates closely with school districts, families, and service providers to ensure that each student receives the support and services necessary to achieve meaningful progress in school and beyond.

School hallway featuring a colorful wall mural with a large sun, children reading and playing, trees, and neighborhood scenes.

Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (HIB) Reporting

At Rutgers Day School (RDS), we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where all students can learn and thrive. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) will not be tolerated, and all concerns are taken seriously. In accordance with New Jersey law and New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) requirements, students, families, caregivers, and staff are encouraged to report any suspected incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying promptly. Reports may be submitted using the appropriate HIB 338 reporting forms provided below. All reports are reviewed and addressed in accordance with established district procedures, ensuring a thorough and timely response. By working together, we can help maintain a positive school climate that supports the well-being and success of every student.

Promoting Respect and Kindness

NJDOE Fillable PDF HIB 338 Form for Families/Caregivers:

https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/hib/docs/HIB_Incident_Form_ForFamilies.pdf (English)
https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/hib/docs/HIBIncidentFormforFamiliesSpanish.pdf (Spanish)

HIB 338 Online Form for RDS Staff:

https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/hib/docs/HIB_Incident_Form_ForLEAs.pdf
Clear messages about kindness and respect help foster a safe, supportive school environment for all students.
Clear messages about kindness and respect help foster a safe, supportive school environment for all students.

Student Referral Process

Referrals to Rutgers Day School (RDS) are initiated through the student’s resident school district Child Study Team. Following receipt of the referral, educational, clinical, and related service records are reviewed by the RDS team to determine the appropriateness of the placement and next steps in the intake process.

For students moving forward in the admissions process, an intake meeting is scheduled. Attendance at the intake meeting is required and must include:

  • The student
  • The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s)
  • A representative from the student’s resident school district Child Study Team (typically the case manager)

The intake meeting provides an opportunity for all participants to review the student’s educational and therapeutic needs, learn about the program, and determine whether Rutgers Day School can appropriately support the student’s goals.

Press the “+” sign below for additional details about the referral and intake process.

  • Please include the following in the referral packet:

    • Most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP)
    • Clinical documentation (e.g., psychiatric evaluations, hospital discharge summaries)
    • Child Study Team evaluations
    • A-45 immunization records
    • Transcripts (High School)

    Contact Information

    For referrals or program inquiries, please contact Admissions:

    📞 732-235-4677
    ✉️ RDS-Admissions@ubhc.rutgers.edu


    Mailing Address

    Rutgers Day School
    Child Program
    University Behavioral Health Care
    671 Hoes Lane West
    Piscataway, NJ 08854-1392