Special Education

All children are unique and learn and grow differently. At times, children need extra help in an area of their learning. This assistance allows children to learn at their greatest potential. Through various special education programs, Comstock Park Public Schools is able to give all eligible children the assistance they need to grow as learners.

Comstock Park has a cooperative agreement with Region I school districts in Kent ISD to provide necessary services for students as close to home as possible. The Comstock Park Special Education Services Department is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of students that qualify under the IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) guidelines by working as a team with general education staff and administration. Learn more about Comstock Park Programs & Services and Eligibility Guidelines.

Kent ISD eLibrary - Kent ISD electronic collection of resources for special education

What is Special Education? Who benefits from these services?

Special education is specially designed instruction to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. This includes instruction conducted in schools, homes, and other settings.

Special education encompasses programming and services, which may include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, school social work services, and physical therapy. Consultative therapies from professionals with specific certifications in Autism, visual, and hearing impairments are also given consideration with developing programs for children.

Not all special education students receive every service. Services are based on the eligibility of the student, along with each student's individual needs. Comstock Park Schools are committed to providing appropriate programming for all students.

To learn more about a specific program please contact the Special Education Director at (616) 254-5604.

PASE (Parent Advisory for Special Education)

PASE services are for all parents. This dynamic group provides many services to increase awareness about special education for parents. Information and training sessions help parents understand new programs and services as well as hear about special topics. Getting parents together gives them a sounding board and helps build their resource network.

Additional PASE services include:

Providing updates on new or revised policies and rules
Reviewing IEP and other special education forms
Assisting with transition planning as older students move into more independent living
Demonstrating new technology which can help children learn
Showing how to revise plans for behavior support
Providing information on additional resources and support groups

Together, PASE members help parents become knowledgeable consumers of special education, build their skills as advocates for their children and improve the working relationship with the school district.

You are invited to belong. Visit KISD's website for more information.

PASE 2023-2024 Calendar

PASE Parent Resources

504 Information

What is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 guarantees certain rights to individuals with disabilities, including the right to full participation and access to a free and appropriate public education to all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Specifically, 29 U.S.C. §794(a), 34 C.F.R. §104.4(a) states:

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States...shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, p. 394).

See Guidance from MDE

District 504 Coordinator –

Assistant Superintendent - (616) 254-5000

Executive Director of Special Education - (616) 254-5700

Superintendent - (616) 254-5000

Elementary 504 Coordinator – Principal/ School Social Worker

Stoney Creek – Robin Picarazzi – (616) 254-5600

Social Worker- Casey Van Horn (616) 254-5600

Pine Island – Brian Morrison – (616) 254-5500

Social Worker - Allison VanderBerg - (616) 254-5707

Middle School 504 Coordinator – Dean of Students/Counselor

Rob Hurt – (616)254-5108