WoodsEdge Learning Center
WoodsEdge Learning Center (WELC) is a public, center-based special education school program supporting children with significant disabilities through individualized programs in a safe, nurturing environment. We proudly serve students in all nine school districts across Kalamazoo County. At WoodsEdge, families can expect helpful, passionate staff who partner with you to understand your child’s unique strengths and needs, and to develop the skills that will help them achieve maximum independence. We recognize each student as a unique individual and celebrate every milestone of growth along their journey.
The WoodsEdge Way
Safety
Creating a secure and structured environment where students feel confident and protected.
Communication
Empowering every student to express themselves clearly and confidently through various communication methods.
Independence
Building life skills and self-reliance tailored to each student’s abilities and goals.
Specialized Programs & Services
To support our students’ varied needs, WoodsEdge offers a rich array of specialized services, therapies, and enrichment programs during the school day. Some of the key programs and services available to WoodsEdge students include:
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Adapted Physical Education & Aquatics: Our on-site therapeutic swimming pool allows students to work on mobility, muscle strength, and water safety in a fun, low-impact environment.
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Music Therapy: Creative therapies to enhance communication, emotional expression, and sensory integration.
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Art Therapy: These sessions let students explore art mediums like painting, drawing, crafting, and sensory art in a supportive setting. The focus is on self-expression, fine motor practice, and sensory exploration.
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Speech & Language Therapy: Speech-language pathologists support communication skills, including language development and alternative communication methods (AAC) for nonverbal students.
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Occupational & Physical Therapy: Occupational Therapy at WELC helps students (like grasping a pencil or using utensils), visual-motor integration (like eye-hand coordination for catching a ball), and self-care skills. Physical Therapy addresses gross-motor development, mobility, and physical access. Our PTs work on skills like walking with assistive devices, transferring in and out of a wheelchair, improving balance and posture, and increasing strength for better endurance.
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Behavioral Support: WoodsEdge is equipped with a dedicated Behavior Support Team, and all staff are trained in safety care and de-escalation techniques.
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Ukeru System: Implementation of the Ukeru system emphasizes compassionate, restraint-free crisis intervention to ensure student safety and emotional well-being.
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Nursing & Medical Support: Comprehensive school nursing services to address medical needs, supported by social workers. Homebound services are available as needed.
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Innovative, LEED® Gold-Certified Facility: Our purpose-built, environmentally friendly building is specifically designed for accessibility, safety, and optimal learning conditions.
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University Partnerships & Community Connections: Collaboration with local universities and community organizations enhances program quality and provides extensive professional training for our staff.
Our Team
One of WoodsEdge’s greatest strengths is our dedicated and compassionate staff. The staff-to-student ratio at WELC is intentionally high, often 1:1 or 1:2 for portions of the day, allowing for the intensive support many of our learners need.
Our team is made up of certified special education teachers, teaching assistants/paraprofessionals, therapists, behavioral specialists, and support personnel – all of whom share a passion for helping students with disabilities reach their potential. Our paraprofessionals are also integral to this effort – they work side-by-side with teachers on instruction, personal care routines, and behavior support, and build trusting relationships with the children.
We also emphasize collaboration and communication among staff. Teachers and therapists plan together, and co-teach whenever beneficial, and ensure consistency in strategies across environments. This positive, team-oriented work environment translates into better care and instruction; when the professionals are supported, the students benefit.
Check out our staff spotlight video to see the joy and dedication that our educators bring to the classroom every day. If you are someone who is interested in joining our WELC family as an educator or therapist, please visit KRESA’s Employment page!
Enrollment & Placement Process
Placement at WELC is determined through the IEP team process. We want to ensure that each student enrolled truly needs the level of support our center provides, and that we’re the right fit for their needs. Here’s an overview of how the placement process works:
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For an individual family interested in WoodsEdge programs, initial contact should be with their local administration office:
Contact Us
Our team is here to help. If you have any questions about WoodsEdge Learning Center, whether it’s about the program or resources for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Phone: (269) 250-9400
Address: 1501 E Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002