Curriculum and Student Support

The Wing Lake Developmental Center Program is a warm, supportive learning environment that helps our students grow by encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. Enrollment is based upon a multidisciplinary team evaluation of each student's strengths and needs.

Our 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.

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.

Adapted Physical Education

Wing Lake Adaptive Physical Education experiences are led by our certified Adapted Physical Education teacher and include sensory awareness and movement opportunities, as well as traditional gym games and activities. In addition, hydrotherapy is available for Wing Lake students.

Music

All classrooms receive music experiences. A variety of activities are offered including keyboard, rhythm instruments, hand chimes and singing. The session is interactive and designed to allow students to participate.

Art

Wing Lake students are able to learn about and create art through our partnership with local art therapy groups. We also enjoy participating in the annual district art show held at the Bloomfield Hills Library.

Community Programs

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.

Building Features
Wing Lake Staff

Building Features

Outdoor Features

Outdoor gazebo beautifully placed in our universally accessible playground for students and classrooms to use and enjoy.
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.

Wing Lake Staff

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

Nursing

Professional nurses provide necessary support to students with special health needs within the Wing Lake building. They are able to dispense medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician. They are authorized to handle medical emergencies. Nursing staff is available to families/caregivers for consultation regarding students' overall health.

Social Work

The Wing Lake social worker provides services to families including: parent support groups, advocacy, referrals to community agencies, and transition planning. The social worker is also available to assist staff in conducting a Functional Behavioral Analysis and to help create Positive Behavior Support Plans.

Ancillary Related Services

School-based related services are designed to assist students who have disabilities to progress in their program. The related service delivery model includes direct consultative services to teachers and parents. Services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech/Language Pathologists.