Special Education

Special Education Department Staff

Amy Wierzbicki
Director of Special Education
616-754-1996

Debra Hansen
Administrative Assistant, Special Education
616-754-1996

Speech and Language Pathologists

Sarah Gilbert, Jamee Gunn, Kendra Horton, Kristin Petkus, Emily Michalak, Amy VanOrman

School Social Workers

Rachel Armock, Becky Ahonen, Lori Oxford, Hannah Schuby, Maddy VanderVeen

School Psychologists

Andrea DeMeyer, Laura Hoekema, Abby Warmuskerken

Teacher Consultants

Christine Bentley, Allyson Bradley, Allison Dykstra, Katie Gordon, Kelly Larsen

Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Hollie Stephenson

Resource Programs - K-12 in all buildings:

Greenville provides a full continuum of support services for students who experience mild to moderate learning difficulties. Students who typically require less than 50% support through special education are traditionally placed in resource rooms. Students who require more than 50% support through special education are typically placed in a self-contained/cross-categorical setting. Resource Room Programs can accommodate all areas of disability.

Classrooms for students with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MICI) K-12

Baldwin Heights Elementary  K-5
Greenville Middle School 6-8
Greenville High School 9-12

Greenville operates self-contained classrooms (support for more than 50% of the school day) for students that have mild cognitive impairments.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) at Cedar Crest Elementary
A preschool program that focuses on working with students that may have developmental delays and require specialized instruction

Other Programs and Services

The Montcalm Area Intermediate School District also provides special education programs within the Greenville Public Schools Buildings in the areas of Autism and Moderate Cognitive Impairment.

In addition, the ISD provides other programs for Greenville students in other districts and facilities for students that may have more significant needs. Please contact the Special Education office for more information on these programs.

Typically, requests for individual student evaluations are generated through the building Child Study process when there is a question in regards to whether a student may have a disability that impedes or impacts the learning process. For school or parent initiated referrals, signed parental permission is required and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is conducted within 30 days of initial consent. Greenville adheres to state and federal policies and laws.

Ancillary Services

School Psychology:

Our school psychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations on students who experience learning or behavioral difficulties in the classroom. Written parental permission is required to conduct an evaluation and the results are discussed with parents and staff at an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting.

School Social Work:

Our school social workers provide individualized or small group services to students experiencing learning or behavioral difficulties. Parental consent is required through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) when specialized instruction is necessary.

Speech and Language Therapy:

Speech therapists provide specialized therapy for students who qualify for services through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.  These services can be through direct, consult, or monitored speech and language services.

Occupational and Physical Therapy:

Occupational therapy and/or physical Therapy is provided for students that require services per their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Teacher Consultant Services:

Special education students who are included in all regular education classes may receive TC services, or students with specialized needs such as visual or hearing support. Teacher consultant services are driven by the students IEP, but often include accommodations in the classroom and organizational support. The teacher consultant is also responsible for pre-referral testing for students that are in the Child Study process and may need additional support through special education. They also communicate the various disabilities of students to teachers and assist them in preparing appropriate educational plans.

Learning Disabilities:

Procedures for the Determination of Specific Learning Disabilities

Local Agency Contacts

Adult Education - High school completion course, G.E.D. preparation classes
989-831-7902
618 Main Street, Stanton, MI 48888

Department of Human Services (D.H.S.) - administers state and federal public assistance programs
989-831-8400
609 North State Street (M-66), P.O. Box 278, Stanton, MI 48888

Michigan Works! Service Center - employment services
616-754-3611 / 800-676-3610
110 S. Greenville West Drive, Suite 2
Greenville, MI 48838

Mid-Michigan District Health Department - public health and preventative medical program
989-831-5237
615 North State Road
Stanton, MI 48888
www.mmdhd.org
Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday (closed 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm)

Montcalm Center for Behavioral Health - mental health services
989-831-7520 / 800-377-0974
611 North State Road
Stanton, MI 48888

Montcalm County Housing Commission - low-cost government housing
231-937-4241
120 Mulberry, Box 249
Howard City, MI 49329

Social Security Administration - social security and SSI income program for disabled persons
800-772-1213 / 989-773-5411
50 College Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Thursday's Child - a 24-hour hotline for teens
800-872-5437

Youth Crisis and Runaway Hotline - 800-448-4663

Organizations that support Students with Disabilities and their Parents:

Arbor Circle Counseling Services
1101 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 456-6571

Arbor Circle Home Based Services
1101 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 456-6571

The ARC Kent County
1331 Lake Drive SE
Suite 2
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 459-3339

Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
215 Sheldon Blvd SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 458-1187
(800) 466-8084

Autism Society of Kent County (ASK)
PO Box 150348
Grand Rapids, MI 49515-0348
(616) 852-8577

Autism Society of Michigan (ASM)
6035 Executive Drive
Suite 109
Lansing, MI 48911
(800) 223-6722
(517) 882-2800

Child and Family Resource Council
118 Commerce Avenue SW
Suite 220
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-4673

Children and Adults With AD/HD (CHADD)
7269 DeCosta Drive NE
Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 874-5662

Children's Special Health Care Services
Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 336-3822

Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education (CAUSE)
6945 Madison Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(616) 455-8719
(800) 221-9105

Cornerstone Mental Health Services
833 Lake Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 336-3909

Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Network of West Michigan
728 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 336-3765

Comprehensive Therapy Center
2505 Ardmore Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 559-1054

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
3835 28th Street SE
Suite 105
Grand rapids, MI 49512
(616) 285-8140

Disability Advocates of Kent County
3600 Camelot Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 949-1100

Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
PO Box 8804
Grand Rapids, MI 49518
(616) 956-3488

Early On of Kent County
1800 Leffingwell Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 365-2310

Easter Seals Michigan, Inc.
4065 Saladin Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 942-2081
(800) 292-2729

Family Independence Agency
415 Franklin Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 247-6000

Heart of West Michigan United Way
118 Commerce Avenue SW
Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 459-6281

Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
730 Grandville Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 742-0200

Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 336-3030

Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan
200 Museum Drive
Suite 101
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 485-8160

Legal Aid of Western Michigan
89 Ionia Avenue NW
Suite 400
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 774-0672

Life Guidance Services
1400 Leonard Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 774-0633

Mercy Respite Center
(Hope network West Michigan)
1530 East Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 458-4559

Michigan Department of Education
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services
PO Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 373-0923

Michigan Department of Career Development
Rehabilitation Services - Grand Rapids Central District
750 Front Ave NW
Suite 211
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 242-6450

Michigan Protection and Advocacy
4095 Legacy Parkway
Suite 500
Lansing, MI 48911-4263
(800) 288-5923

Muscular Dystrophy Association
161 ottawa Avenue NW
Suite 305A
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 459-4331

Native American Community Services
671 Davis Avenue NW
Suite 103
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 458-4078

Neurofibromatosis Support Group of West Michigan
Attn: Rosemary Anderson
PO Box 6026
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
(616) 451-3699

Parent Advisors for Special Education (PASE)
Attn: Kent ISD
2930 Knapp Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 365-2297

Thresholds
1225 Lake Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 774-0853

UCP Michigan
3401 E Saginaw St
Suite 216
Lansing, MI 48912
(800) 828-2714

West Michigan Inclusion Network (WIN)
PO Box 889
Ada, MI 49301
(616) 954-9424

Special Education Web Resources

ARC of the United States
www.thearc.org

Autism Arts Council
www.autismarts.com

Autism Resources
www.autism-info.com

Breaking The Barriers - Supporting the Right to Communicate
www.breaking-the-barriers.org/index.htm

Bridges for Kids
www.bridges4kids.org

Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice
http://cecp.air.org/

Citizens Alliance To Uphold Special Education (CAUSE)
http://causeonline.org

Council for Exceptional Children
www.ideapractices.org

disABILITY Information Resources
www.makoa.org

Disability is Natural
www.disabilityisnatural.com

Disability Links Collection
www.merrywing.com/newsites.htm

DynaVox Technologies website has been updated to highlight the new V/Vmax and InterAACT. 
www.dynavoxtech.com

Early Childhood Michigan and Bridges4kids
http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/

Education Index - A general index of many educational topics
www.educationindex.com

Eight-CAP
http://www.eightcap.org/

ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
www.ericec.org

Everyone Together
www.everyonetogether.org

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

FAPE - Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (Federal)
www.fape.org

Fragile X - The National Fragile X Foundation
www.fragileX.org

Fragile X - The Fragile X Research Foundation
www.fraxa.org

Kids Together
http://www.kidstogether.org

Learning Disability Resources, Services, Professionals
www.iser.com

Michigan’s Assistive Technology Resource (MATR) has become Michigan’s Integrated Technology Supports (MITS).
http://www.cenmi.org/matr/Default.asp

Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.Miaeyc.com

Michigan Center for Educationl Networking
www.cenmi.org/

Michigan Department of Education
http://www.michigan.gov/mde

Michigan Education Assessment System (MEAS)
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-22709---,00.html

Michigan Office of Special Education
www.michigan.gov/mde/1,1607,7-140-5234_6027---,00.html

Michigan Transition Services Association
http://www.michigantsa.com

National Archives and Records Administration
www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html

National Down Syndrome Congress
www.ndsccenter.org

National Down Syndrome Society
www.ndss.org

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
Michigan Key Contacts - Lists Special Education Individuals & Agencies
www.nichcy.org/stateshe/mi.htm

National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality
www.nichq.org/

OSEP Selected IDEA-related Memoranda - Office of Special Education Programs (Federal)
www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/omip.html

OSEP Publications - Office of Special education Programs (Federal)
www.ed.gov/about/reports/annual/osep/index.html

OSERS - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (Federal) --- Office of Special Education Programs
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=oc

Project Participate - Simple strategies to increase the active participation of students with disabilities in school programs
www.projectparticipate.org

Reed Martin, J.D., Special Education Law
www.reedmartin.com

Region III Assistive Technology Committee
http://www.region3atc.alleganisd.org/

Special Education Collection - LRP Publications
www.lrp.com/ed

Special Education for Special Children
www.geocities.com/Athens/4611

Special Education Resources on the Internet
http://Seriweb.com

Special Olympics Michigan
http://www.somi.org

TASH - since 1975 stands for Equity, Diversity, Social Justice and Inclusion
www.tash.org

TinSnips - Teachers Tools for Students with Autism & Related Developmental Disabilities
http://members.cox.net/tinsnips/welcome.html

U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov

Whole Schooling
www.wholeschooling.net

Wrightslaw Newsroom
www.wrightslaw.com/mainpage_what_new.htm

Montcalm Area ISD
621 New Street Stanton, MI 48888
989-831-5261 contact@maisd.com

Special Education Acronym Glossary  

ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
AD(H)D - Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder
ASD- Autism Spectrum Disorder
BIP- Behavior Intervention Plan
CI - cognitively Impaired (previously EMI, SCI, SMI, and TMI)
CP - Cerebral Palsy
ECDD - Early Childhood Developmental Delay (previously PPI)
EI - Emotionally Impaired
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
HI - Hearing Impaired
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP - Individualized Education Plan
IEPT - Individualized Education Program Team
IESP - Individualized Family Service Plan
ISD - Intermediate School District
LD - Learning Disabled
MICI - Mild Cognitive Impairment
MOCI - Moderate Cognitive Impairment
OHI - otherwise Health Impaired
OT - Occupational Therapy
PI - Physically Impaired
PT - Physical Therapy
SLI - Speech and Language Impaired
SSW - School Social Worker
TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury
TC - Teacher Consultant
VI - Visually Impaired

Special Education Glossary of Terms

Parent Surrogate  

Greenville Public Schools shall ensure a person is assigned to act as a surrogate for the parents of the child when:

• No parent can be identified
• The whereabouts of the parents cannot be located, after reasonable efforts
• The child is a Ward of the State

Greenville Public Schools has a procedure for determining whether a child needs a parent surrogate and for assigning a parent surrogate to the child. The parent surrogate is a person appointed by the district's administration to represent the child in decisions regarding the child's education.

Guidelines for selecting surrogates:

• Cannot be an employee of Greenville Public Schools that is involved with the child's education
• Must not interest that conflict with the interest of the child being represented
• The person must have skills and knowledge that will represent the child in his or her best interest
• The person may be an employee of a nonpublic agency that provides non-educational care for the child, only if the agency has on interest of conflicts.

Section 504 Information  

What is Section 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the civil and constitutional rights of people with disabilities.

How is "Handicap" defined under Section 504?

1. Has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major activities
2. Has a record of an impairment, or
3. Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Accommodation Guidelines under Section 504

1. Accommodations must be individualized.
2. The individual needs of the student with a disability should be met to the same extent as the needs of non-handicapped student.
3. Modification can be made to regular programs or the provision of different programs may be needed.
4. Accommodations should place the student with a disability at an equal starting level with non-handicapped peers.

Examples of reasonable accommodations:

• modified homework requirements
• textbooks on tapes
• changes in the way tests are given
• preferred seating

Who do I contact, if I feel my child needs 504 accommodations?
Contact your building principal or, school social worker, or school counselor.

Autism: Parent Resources

Autism Speaks: 100 Day Kit
Autism Speaks: Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit
Autism Speaks: Tool Kit for Dental Professionals
Autism Speaks: Training
Autism Speaks: Introduction to Behavioral Health Treatments
Autism Speaks: Taking the Work Out of Blood Work
Autism Speaks: Strategies to Improve Sleep
Visual Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Speaks Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit
Autism State of Michigan Plan: Findings and Recommendation

Greenville Schools is committed to helping students be successful

In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Board is committed to making all students successful.  Students who meet the federal definition of “homeless” will be provided a free and appropriate public education in the same manner as all other students of the District and will not be stigmatized or segregated on the basis of being homeless.  No homeless student will be denied enrollment based on the lack of proof of residency.  No Board policy, administrative rule or practice will be interpreted or applied in such a way as to inhibit the enrollment, attendance or school success of homeless children.

Homeless students will be provided services comparable to other students in the District including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Transportation services
2. Educational services provided under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or similar state and local programs, educational programs, education programs for children with disabilities and educational programs for students with limited English proficiency
3. Programs for vocational and technical education
4. Programs for gifted and talented students
5. School nutrition programs

The Superintendent shall waive fees and charges that may act as barriers and prevent homeless children from enrolling in school and/or acquiring an appropriate education.

If a parent/guardian is not satisfied with a placement decision, the dispute resolution procedure outlined in Board Policy 532-R shall be followed

Amy Wierzbicki is the liaison at GPS and she can be reached at 616-754-1996.

National Center for Homeless Education Website