Mr. Michael Vargas
Director of Early Childhood Education
Michael Vargas, Ed.S. serves as the Director of Early Childhood Education in Belleville Public Schools. Overseeing the district's Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) initiative since summer of 2019, Mr. Vargas collaborates with PreK stakeholders in all Belleville Beginners locations. Since that time, Belleville's PreK enrollment for free, full-day PreK has increased from 7% to over 90% of its Preschool Universe. He was also the Principal of the Hornblower Early Childhood Center (HECC) during its inaugural year during the 2020-2021 school year. In November of 2023, HECC earned a 4-Star rating through Grow NJ Kids- becoming the first public preschool location in Essex County to earn that distinction. In April 2024, Michael was honored by Programs for Parents (PfP) as a panelist "Celebrating Trailblazing Men: Transforming Early Childhood Narratives".
In 2023, Michael presented, "Creating a Smooth Transition from High-Quality PreK to Kindergarten" for district administrators. In collaboration with the NJIETA Project based out of Montclair State University, the Belleville Beginners PreK program aims to serve as a model inclusive preschool program. With his guidance, the Hornblower Early Childhood Center was named a demonstration site for inclusive practices in early childhood in the state of New Jersey. Michael was a featured presenter the 1st Annual Preschool Inclusion Leadership Conference in April 2024 as he discussed "Maintaining LRE between High-Quality PreK and Kindergarten". He also presented on this topic to the State Special Education Advisory Council (NJ-SSEAC) in March 2024. An additional presentation includes, "A Roadmap to Inclusive Practices in High Quality PreK Programs", at the 2022 NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference, discussing strategies to increase the accessibility of the Creative Curriculum in preschool classrooms to all learners. To support the NJDOE's initiative to enroll at least 90% of districts' Preschool Universe, Michael also presented to early childhood administrators and staff involved in recruiting on "Effective Recruitment, Registration and Enrollment Strategies for New Jersey Funded PEA Districts".
In November 2024, Michael presented his topic of "Using the Universal Design for Learning to Maintain LRE in Early Childhood Classrooms", to groups of early childhood administrators and teachers participating in the Transforming Early Childhood Leadership Institute (TECLI).
Michael's article, "Creating a Smooth Transition from High-Quality PreK to Kindergarten: Utilizing the Universal Design for Learning Early childhood Checklist in Kindergarten Classrooms", was published in the Educational Viewpoints: The Journal of NJPSA 2024. Click HERE to view the journal edition.
During his first six years in Belleville Public Schools, Michael served as the Supervisor of Special Services, as well as the district’s Interventions and Referral Services (I&RS) Coordinator. He was also the district's Talented and Gifted Coordinator. In addition, Michael also supervised the development of 504 Accommodation Plans in grades K-12. During the 2016-2017 school year, Mr. Vargas spearheaded Belleville's district-wide positive behavior support program, Belleville B.A.N.K. (Behaviors All Need to Know) throughout all elementary schools.
Michael began his career as a school psychologist on a child study team working with students ages three to twenty-one years old. Mr. Vargas earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. His post-graduate work began at Seton Hall University where he earned a Master’s of Arts (M.A.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in School and Community Psychology, along with New Jersey Standard Certification as a school psychologist. In 2014, Michael earned his New Jersey Principal and Supervisor Certifications from Montclair State University. In May 2016, Michael acquired a certificate from the Harvard Leadership Institute for District Leaders for his personal studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In March 2017, Michael continued his experience at Harvard, earning a certificate in Racial Equality and Leadership in Schools, in an effort to bridge the gap of racial inequality in academic achievement.
Mr. Vargas served as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University teaching courses in Cognitive Assessment, Clinical Skills, and Research Methods within the College of Education and Human Services. As a school psychologist, Michael’s experience included case management of special education students, IEP development, administering psychological assessments, and developing effective intervention strategies to within inclusive classroom environments. Practicing in classrooms that implement Applied Behavioral Analysis strategies has allowed Mr. Vargas extensive experience applying behavioral interventions across all educational settings.
As a district administrator, Michael’s goal is to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and students in establishing progressive, inclusive educational programs that meet the needs of all students. He works daily to help all Belleville learners become 21st century leaders.
