Approve Renewal Agreement for Services with St. Joseph’s Hospital for the Realizing Exceptional Achievements at a Community Hospital (REACH) Program, for the school year 2008/2009 (Exceptional Student Education)

We request approval of the renewal agreement for services with St. Joseph’s Hospital for the Realizing Exceptional Achievements at a Community Hospital (REACH) program for Exceptional Student Education community-based training program designed to provide realistic work experiences for ESE high school students. The District partnered with St. Joseph’s Hospital to initiate the REACH Program in 2006/2007.

The REACH Program facilitates transition for ESE high school students, ages 18-21 years old, under the supervision of a district teacher. The REACH Program is a two-year program which includes a balance of classroom instruction emphasizing functional academics, integrated social and recreational activities, and career experience opportunities. St. Joseph’s Hospital currently provides multiple opportunities for career exploration in areas such as; maintenance, child care, kitchen/cafeteria, imaging transportation, sterilizing processing, mailroom/material distribution, and clerical. The district provides an instructor, a paraprofessional, transportation, and additional supports as identified. These young adults with disabilities benefit from real-world experiences by interacting with non-disabled age-appropriate peers in a postsecondary setting.

Program Highlights:

• Eighteen students have been rolled in the REACH Program since 2006-2007 school year.
• Three students currently enrolled in the program are employed.

Goal 5 - The district will close the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.
Critical Success Factor 5.c – Design and implement program scheduling to meet the remediation and enrichment needs of students.

This Agreement for Services establishes the responsibilities of St. Joseph's Hospital and the district for this community-based training program. This program generates FTE funds of $82,113 to cover the total cost to the district.