Student Support

Curriculum

We are passionate about making learning an enjoyable experience. Our instruction is based on Michigan Department of Education guidelines. We strive to help all students acquire the necessary skills to live, work and function as independently as possible.

At Wing Lake, each student's goals are determined by a team including the teacher, parents, therapists and other support staff.

 

Wing Lake Developmental Center-Building Literacy with Four Blocks Video

 

Positive Behavior Support

Wing Lake incorporates positive behavior support on a school wide level. Using The S.O.A.R. acronym (Safe, On-Task, Attitude, Respect), students are taught appropriate behaviors through modeling and practice. A team approach is used to address individual student concerns. Support strategies are put in place to encourage each student to function at his/her full potential in a safe and respectful environment.

 

Wing Lake SOARS Video

 

Gym

Students participate in community outings which provide practical life experiences. They also interact with volunteers such as high school students, foster grandparents, and those involved in enrichment programs.

Outdoor Features

• Bus lanes provide a single flow of traffic for more than 30 buses bringing students to
  the program.
• Heated sidewalks allow for safe loading and unloading of bus students in the winter.
• Canopies across the front of the building provide the students with protection from inclement weather or extreme sun.
• Our universally accessible playground is completely enclosed and available for daily recess and just plain fun!
• Large outdoor umbrellas allow children to experience being outside with the protection of shade.

Indoor Features

• Student safety is our top priority. All visitors are given entry through our locked door security system by Wing Lake office staff. Visitors must report immediately to the main office for sign in and directions.
• Color throughout the building helps students with directionality.
• Skylights and large windows maximize the use of natural light.
• The media center/library has a comfortable reading area for story time.
• The library has many book kits, as well as CDs and DVDs. Pertinent magazines and staff-made thematic units are also housed in the media center.
• A hydrotherapy tub provides a therapeutic option for students with increased muscle tone.
• The cafeteria serves hot lunches each day and provides a space for socialization with peers.
• A commons area is centrally located in the classroom wing, providing space for several classrooms to participate in instructional activities together.
• Classrooms are 1050 square feet in size. This accommodates the wheelchair turning radius as well as specialized equipment used with our students.
• Each classroom has an emergency exit door to the outdoors.
• The school is fully accessible. There are wide hallways and doorways, an automatic lighting system, automatic entry doors and completely adapted bathroom facilities adjacent to each classroom.
• The staff has common office and workspaces to use as they collaborate on their plans for our students.
• Fully equipped multi-purpose/gross motor room.

Specialized staff include: Teachers; Instructional Assistants; Program Aides; Occupational, Physical, Speech/Language and Music Therapists; Social Worker; Psychologist; Physical Education/Swim Teacher; Nurses; Cook; Custodians; Bus Drivers; Volunteer Coordinator and Administrative Support Staff.

Nursing

Registered nurses attend to the daily medical and nutritional needs of Wing Lake students. The nursing staff is available to consult with families and caregivers regarding issues related to the health and welfare of our students.

Social Work

The Wing Lake social worker provides many services including:

• Advocacy and referral
• Parent support groups and programs
• Individual and group discussions
• Transition planning services

Therapy

Therapy programs are integrated into the daily classroom activities with the direct supervision of:

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech and language therapists

Each therapy program is designed, implemented and continually updated to assist students with disabilities to reach their goals.