Approve Renewal Agreement for Services with St. Joseph’s Hospital for the Realizing Exceptional Achievements at a Community Hospital (REACH) Program, 2010/2011 (Exceptional Student Education)

We request approval of the renewal of the agreement for services to continue the partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospital for the REACH Program which was established in 2006/2007.

The REACH program facilitates transition for high school students with disabilities, 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 a teacher, paraprofessional, transportation, and additional supports as identified. The young adults with disabilities benefit by interacting with nondisabled, age-appropriate peers in a postsecondary setting.

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

Funding is included in the divisional general operating budget.