Special Education

Kent ISD Special Education Department

We are dedicated to providing quality programming intended to support and enhance our member districts (local school districts and public school academies).   In partnership with our member districts and community partners, the department strives to improve student outcomes for all students with disabilities ages birth to 26.  Collaborative supports, guidance, resources and technical assistance is provided by Kent ISD to assist with professional development, program development, parent support, technology and legal requirements to ensure that individual and the unique needs of all students are addressed. 

Kent ISD provides special education services such as Assistive Technology, Coaching for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior and Specially Designed Instruction as well as Transition, Visual Impairment/ Physical Therapy services, and Center Programming for students throughout the county.

Guidance & Resources for Special Educators

Kent ISD Special Education Supports & Resources Website

This site will provide you with the information needed to implement exceptional and equitable systems that support special educators and our students to reach their full potential.  You will find resources to support IEP compliance and guidance, assistance for high-quality programming, webinars for your professional learning and tools for technology and accessibility.

Kent ISD & Member District Special Education Equity Statement

We are committed to eliminating barriers that are grounded in systemic bias, structural racism, and other forms of racial disparities for our Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color with disabilities.  In support of our students with disabilities reaching their fullest potential, we will actively engage in learning and leadership to:

  • Promote culturally responsive special education programs/services 
  • Advocate for practices and procedures that eliminate over/under representation in qualifying for special education
  • Promote equitable discipline practices that reduce disproportionate removals
  • Promote practices to eliminate disproportionate participation in more restrictive settings
  • Seek engagement and promote collaboration with families in the IEP process
  • Hire staff who are representative of the students with disabilities being served 

Quick Resources

Picture of Directory CoverOur Special Education directory of  districts and providers in Kent County area schools is available in a digital format.  Please contact Lori Matthews if you would like a copy sent to you.

 

 

 

SE Administrators Secure Resource Site 

MiPSE Login 

Parent Resources

Coaching/Consultation

The Kent ISD Special Education Member District Action Planning and Capacity Building describes our coaching process in detail.  Kent ISD Special Education department provides coaching and/or consultation for Autism (support for student(s) and/or Autism/ECSE programming), Behavior (support for student(s) and/or EI/ECSE programming), and Specially Designed Instruction (support for student(s) and/or resource/CI programming).

Pic of Coaching Process            Pic of Coaching Defined

SE Administrators can click here to request Special Education Autism, Behavior and/or Specially Designed Instruction Coaching and/or Consultation. 

Kirsten Myers
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Paul Dymowski
Director of Center Programs
Allie Hamel
Supervisor of Special Education Accountability and Integrated Supports
Alissa Hofstee
Director of Early Childhood Special Education & Integrated Supports
Mark Higgins
Supervisor of Finance/Transportation
Lori Matthews
Administrative Assistant