Philosophy / Mission / Objectives
We, the staff and students at REACH, believe in a safe and caring community of learners that fosters individual growth and autonomy.
REACH is a regional program, part of the Riverside School Board, and offers an alternative educational schooling environment within the continuum of services offered by Riverside. REACH promotes the autonomy and development of its student body, all of whom present with intellectual delays, handicaps and/or pervasive developmental challenges. Through our professional staff, parent and community partnerships, REACH enables each student to grow socially, cognitively, physically and emotionally in a safe and caring environment, and ultimately to take his/her place in our ever-changing world.
Academic Programs
REACH is the only English public school in Québec that offers a specialized and individualized program to students aged 4 to 21, with significant developmental delays and intellectual challenges.
Our curriculum is based on MELS’ programs, and has four broad and cross-curricular areas of learning:
- Social and communication skills,
- Functional academics,
- Life skills and
- Personal development skills.
We also have a Transition to Work Program for our 16 to 21 year olds. It has two components – Studio Kaleidoscope (a mosaic workshop) and Work Study Program (students participate in apprenticeship placements within the community).
Each student follows his or her own Individualized Education Plan designed specifically to meet their needs. We also offer an integrated French as a second language program; a unique and dynamic physical education program; and social skills training at all levels.
Inclusion and integration into the community is a huge focus and varied outings, walks in the neighborhood, visits to the library, swimming pool, gymansium and grocery stores, etc… within the Saint-Lambert community are always on-going.
Support Services
The staff believes in and values on-going Professional Development. We believe in a multi-disciplinary approach and try to always be on top of best practices in the field on a daily basis. These are integral aspects of our program at all levels, and include such classroom practices as:
- TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children) classes,
- sensory and Brain Gym techniques,
- Occupational therapy,
- Language development methodology,
- Music and all creative arts,
- Cooking and travel training
- Up-to-date IT technologies
We are in constant collaboration with professionals (social workers, phychiatrists, educators, etc…) as necessary and on an on-going basis. Currently we have on staff the services of:
- a primary professional,
- an Occupational Therapist,
- a Physiotherapist (on call),
- a Speech and Language teacher,
- a music specialist
Our partnerships are many and varied and include local businesses and employers, community organizations, social service agencies, other schools and school boards, as well as CEGEPS and universities.
School Life Activities
REACH offers many special programs and services. Our warm and family-like environment and our low student-teacher ratio makes learning efficient. In each group, along with the classroom teacher, ther is at least one Special Education Technician. Door-to-door bussing and a safe, secure and secluded community setting ensures an ideal learning environment for our special needs population.
Additional Information
History
REACH moved to its present location at 471 Green Street in Saint-Lambert in the Fall of 1999. The school was called Victoria Park School for the previous 26 years, and before that, had grown out of Hazel Cross School and the South Shore Learning Centre. Its’ history goes back to that of the South Shore Protestant Regional School Board and to 1971.
District Commissioner
Lesley Cuffling-Llewelyn
Email: lllewelyn@rsb.qc.ca
ACSSSN Parent-commissioner:
TBC
