Valley Center School (VCS)
Valley Center School (VCS) is a public, center-based special education program serving students ages 8–18 with emotional and behavioral needs across all nine districts in Kalamazoo County. VCS offers a safe, structured learning environment with individualized support, access to the general education curriculum, and daily social-emotional learning.
Our dedicated team partners with families, school districts, and community providers to empower students with the skills they need to succeed in less restrictive environments, including a return to their local school when possible.
Before referral to VCS, Kalamazoo RESA’s Intensive Support Team offers consultation services to local districts, including assistance with behavior assessments and intervention planning. To inquire further about Valley Center School, contact your area director of special education.
At Valley Center, we believe strong relationships are key to student success, and we strive to work with families, school and community partners, all to support the academic, social and emotional growth of our students.
Mission in Action
The Valley Center community provides classrooms and supports that use foundational structures to build positive relationships and consistent behavioral responses, while providing individualized instruction to each student in the areas of academics, behavior and social-emotional skills.
Core Skills Focus
Emotional Regulation
The ability to manage and respond to a wide range of emotions in a way that is socially tolerable, flexible, and adaptive. It is a complex process that involves influencing which emotions we have, when we have them, and how we experience and express them.
Relationship Skills
The set of abilities that enable individuals to build and maintain healthy, supportive, and meaningful connections with others. These skills are fundamental to social-emotional well-being and are essential in all aspects of life, from personal friendships and family ties to professional collaborations and community engagement.
Communication to Self-Advocate
The ability to clearly, respectfully, and confidently express one's needs, rights, and preferences to others. It is a fundamental skill that empowers individuals to take control of their own lives and ensure their well-being in various situations.
What We Offer
- A small, organized, consistent environment
- Classrooms rich with positive relationship building structures
- A trauma informed approach to education
- Curriculum aligned to Common Core State Standards
- Extensive positive behavioral intervention and social emotional learning
- Remedial and/or intensive instruction in language arts and mathematics
- Access to art, technology and physical education experiences
- Full access to support services as delineated in an IEP
- Both credit and objective-based high school curriculum
- Extensive public school transition and mainstreaming opportunities
- Opportunities to practice social skills through school and community activities
- Instruction in life skills
- A blended approach to discipline including restorative justice practices
- Collaborations with family physicians and community mental health supports
How to Enroll
Valley Center School partners with the nine local districts in Kalamazoo County to provide center-based programs and services to students, as determined through the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) process.
Valley Center School does not enroll students without the involvement of the local district where the student resides. For an individual family interested in Valley Center School programs, initial contact should be with their local administration office:
Our Staff
Shelby Bishop
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Coordinator
Sierra Busby
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Program Administrative Assistant
Joseph DeBoer
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School Social Worker
Heidi Graham
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Special Education Teacher
Meghan Haas
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Principal
Kristina LaViolette
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Special Education Teacher
Lindsey Otis
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Behavior Support Specialist
Terasa Reurink
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Special Education Teacher
Rhonda Sturgeon
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Special Education Teacher
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Contact Us
Our team is here to help. If you have any questions about Valley Center School, whether it’s about the program or resources for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- Phone: (269) 250-9770
- Address: 3122 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048