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Assistant Superintendent & Student Services
Assistant Superintendent / Director of Student Services
Dr. Justin Gates
330.676.7680
Administrative Assistant for Student Services
Karen Feldman
330.676.7680
Administrative Assistant for Student Services
Becky Thomas
330.676.7680
Special Education Services in the Kent City School District
Individualized educational programs (IEPs) within the Kent’s Department of Special Education guides the provision of services to nearly 500 students ages 3-21. Special education programs and services include: individualized direct instruction based on each student’s IEP, individual/small group instruction, related services such as speech/language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, group and individual testing, community exploration, and transition services.
The special education staff includes a director, school psychologists, speech/language therapists, intervention specialists, and paraprofessionals. Several occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants, two physical therapists, various bus drivers, and transportation assistants also work with our students with special needs.
If you have thoughts and suggestions, or would like further information about Kent’s Department of Student Services and 504 Plan Coordination, please contact Dr. Justin Gates, Director of Student Services at 330-676-7680.
For Parents with Children with Disabilities:
Special education services are available for eligible students between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21). To qualify for services students must meet eligibility criteria set forth by the State of Ohio. Depending on the individual needs of the students involved, special education services may be provided within the district, or through cooperation of another public school district.
The extent of special education services and the location of delivery are determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team and are based on the students identified needs through the completion of an Evaluation Team Report.
Parents having a concern that their child has a disability should contact the building principal and ask for an Intervention Assistance Team meeting to discuss their concerns. Additional information regarding special education services, confidentiality and parent rights may be obtained by contacting the building principal or the Director of Student Services.
Dr. Justin Gates
Director of Student Services
Are you an Ohio Medicaid Member? CLICK HERE. (March 2023)
Section 504 Procedural Safeguards
Files
IDEA-B Funding 2023 [PDF]
Kent City Schools Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Policy [PDF]