Special Ed Student Programs

Low-Incidence, Center & Transition Programs

Kent ISD Special Education provides specialized services to meet the needs of students with individual education programs (IEPs) that have complex needs. We operate Center Programs for students, birth through 26 years old, who reside within the boundaries of Kent County and its member districts. We operate specialized programs that serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students and those with visual impairments. We also provide transition programming at Empower U, which offers instructional opportunities to meet students' postsecondary goals of independent living, employment and community participation. Placement is determined through the IEP team process when the team determines highly specialized services are needed to meet the individual needs of a student.

Our Vision: Kent ISD Special Education will empower and equip students with the strategies and skills needed to maximize their participation and independence and to ensure equitable access in school, community, career and life.

Read our latest Center Programs Impact Report

Student Programs

Deaf/Hard of Hearing - Oral Deaf

The Oral Deaf Program serves students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH), from birth through secondary education, providing instruction for students to become independent oral communicators in all environments. The Oral Deaf Program also provides audiological services to families in order for children to have optimal access to sound.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing - Total Communication

The Total Communication Program provides access and instruction in American Sign Language, spoken English, or a combination of both to ensure that every deaf and hard-of-hearing student develops a full language and can gain a meaningful education.

Kent Educational Center - Beltline

KEC Beltline serves students 9th grade through 26 years old. KEC Beltline is a dual program for students with persistent behavioral concerns offering a high school diploma as well as preparing them for transition into adult life and employment.

Kent Educational Center - Oakleigh

KEC Oakleigh serves students K-8 who have significant emotional impairments and persistent behavioral concerns. The goal is to teach coping skills and strategies that will allow students to self-regulate their behaviors and transition back to their local school program.

Lincoln Developmental Center

Lincoln Developmental Center is part of the Lincoln Campus continuum and serves students Kindergarten through age 26 whose needs are in the areas of severe multiple impairment, cognitive impairment, and autism spectrum disorder. Lincoln Campus serves students from the northern, central and eastern sides of Kent County.

Lincoln School

Lincoln School is part of the Lincoln Campus continuum and serves students Kindergarten through age 26 whose needs are in the areas of severe multiple impairment, cognitive impairment, and autism spectrum disorder. Lincoln Campus serves students from the northern, central and eastern sides of Kent County.

Pine Grove Learning Center

Pine Grove serves students with special needs who have moderate to severe cognitive impairments, are severely multiply impaired, or have autism from Kindergarten through age 26. Pine Grove serves students from the south western side of Kent County.

Empower U

Empower U provides instructional opportunities to meet young adults’ postsecondary goals in the areas of independent living, employment, and community participation. All young adults are provided opportunities to practice and learn skills at job sites and in the community.