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Specialized Instruction

Otsego Public Schools is committed to providing a continuum of special education programs and services for students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), appropriate to meet the individual needs of students and offered in the least restrictive environment.

  • Our special education programs and services are designed to provide students with IEPs the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers, and to be educated in the general education setting unless otherwise determined through their Individualized Education Plan.
  • Otsego Public Schools offers programs and services that meet the needs of students with low-incidence disabilities, as well as students who have more significant disabilities.
  • Our district utilizes a multi-tiered system of supports and interventions. We employ a school psychologist, school social workers, an occupational therapist, speech and language pathologists, an inclusion specialist, and special education teachers to support student needs.
  • Improving the educational outcomes for students with IEPs is an essential component of ensuring community participation, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and further education. The goal of our special education programs and services is to assist students with an IEP in their efforts to achieve the most meaningful and productive educational and life experience possible.

Our district services students ages 2½ through 26 years of age who are enrolled and eligible for special education services. Those students have several options to meet their educational needs. Families with children under the age of 2 ½ who are interested in special education services need to contact the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency Early On Department at (269) 512-7700.

Our professional staff look forward to working with caregivers of students to support a high-quality, research-based education for all students with IEPs.

Levels of Specialized Instruction

Otsego Public Schools provides support to students with IEPs within a level system. Level Programming is designed to provide specialized instruction based on individual student needs, rather than areas of eligibility alone.

Resources

Specialized Instruction Team

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Kathy Austin

Kathy Austin

Titles: Parapro
Locations: Otsego High School
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Christina Back

Christina Back

Titles: Parapro
Locations: Dix Street Elementary
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Paula Back

Paula Back

Titles: Parapro
Locations: Otsego Middle School
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Britiany Bowers

Britiany Bowers

Titles: Teacher
Locations: Dix Street Elementary
Departments: Special Ed, Special Education
Andrew Clark

Andrew Clark

Titles: Special Education Teacher
Locations: Otsego High School
Departments: Special Education
Savannah Creech

Savannah Creech

Titles: Parapro
Locations: Washington Street Elementary
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Libby Decot-DeKorne

Libby Decot-DeKorne

Titles: Speech/Language Pathologist
Locations: Alamo Elementary
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Aubrey DeHaan

Aubrey DeHaan

Titles: Speech/Language Pathologist
Locations: Learn 'N Grow
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Kelsey DeMann

Kelsey DeMann

Titles: Special Education Aide
Locations: Washington Street Elementary
Departments: Special Education
Tayler Dendel

Tayler Dendel

Titles: Occupational Therapist
Locations: Dix Street Elementary
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services
Sara Djerf

Sara Djerf

Titles: Behavioral Health Support Aide
Locations: Washington Street Elementary
Departments: Special Education
Jennifer Dowler

Jennifer Dowler

Titles: Parapro Sub
Locations: Washington Street Elementary
Departments: Special Education, Student Support Services

Have Questions?

Contact our Special Education Department

Alice Hoekstra

Alice Hoekstra

Director of Special Education
Kim Jacobs

Kim Jacobs

Administrative Assistant