Center Programs

Kent ISD Center Programs provide 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 the age of 26 years old, who reside within the boundaries of Kent County and its member districts. We also operate specialized programs that serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students and transition programming at Empower U, which provides instructional opportunities to meet student's 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 Center Programs 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

Early Childhood Center

The Early Childhood Center offers preschool special education for students age 3-5 with significant developmental delays. The program has two locations. Early Childhood Center North is located at Comstock Park Greenridge Elementary and Early Childhood Center South is located at Godwin Heights South Godwin Elementary. 

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.

Paul Dymowski PicturePaul Dymowski - Director of Center Programs


Paul believes that all students have special strengths and abilities and that it is the job of educators to maximize those abilities. Paul graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Valley State University. He is a lifelong learner with additional endorsements from Aquinas College and Grand Valley State University in special education, administration and leadership. He has passionately served students and families as a classroom teacher, Early On® Supervisor, Transition Coordinator, 504 Coordinator and Administrator of Special Education. In his free time, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

Meet the coaches who support the teams

 

Photo of Ben Lowe, Autism CoachBenjamin Lowe
Behavior Coach
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Photo of Sarah Misiak, Autism CoachSarah Misiak
Specially Designed Instruction Coach
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Photo of Christie Nutkins, Autism CoachChristie Nutkins
Autism Coach
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616.363.8061

 

 

 

 

Kent ISD Special Education Supports & Resources Webpage

This page 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, FBA/PBSP resources, assistance for high-quality programming, webinars for your professional learning and tools for technology and accessibility.

Contact Center Programs

Kent ISD, Center Programs
2930 Knapp St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Paul Dymowski
Director of Center Programs
Cheryl Bauer
Administrative Assistant
Valerie Musch
MTSS/LRE Coordinator
Amy Slagboom
English Learner & Student Services Coordinator
Jonathan Versluis
Finance and Supports Coordinator