A student support program

REACH Hawaii

“I know now how to better approach learning with my son. I know how to help him and advocate for him in the classroom, and I can’t thank REACH Hawaii and the school enough for this support.”
— Parent of a student receiving REACH services

Who We Are

REACH Hawaii, named for and influenced by the North American Division’s REACH (Reaching to Educate All Children for Heaven) initiative, is a student support program that was launched in Fall 2021. It serves all schools (K-12) in the Hawaii Conference.

.

Our Story

Our schools have many strengths, including dedicated and knowledgeable educators, small class sizes, hands-on learning, and an emphasis on both academic and spiritual growth. However, most students require additional support at some time in their academic journey. REACH Hawaii was developed to address this need.

REACH Hawaii provides teachers with resources, another set of eyes, and an opportunity for collaboration. Parents are able to seek information about how their student/s learn and better support them at home and school. Students benefit from a cohesive adult team (educators and family) and have the opportunity to receive direct services from the Intervention Specialist.

Services Provided

  • With parent permission, students can undergo testing by a licensed speech-language pathologist to determine if a speech/language disorder or other disability is present. This information is then used to make changes in the classroom.

  • Students who demonstrate need may be eligible to receive direct services from the Intervention Specialist. Services may include speech or language therapy, phonological awareness training, reading intervention, treatment for auditory processing disorders, and more.

  • Teachers work closely with the Intervention Specialist to ensure the classroom environment and teaching methods are benefiting all students. Educators are able to brainstorm solutions to problems as they arise and collaborate more closely with parents and other professionals.

  • Fostering self-advocacy and independence in students is a focus of the program.

    The Intervention Specialist may also act as an advocate for students in the classroom and for parents/guardians who desire help navigating special education assessment or meetings with their local public school.

  • The Intervention Specialist is available to consult with parents/guardians and educators on a variety of topics or concerns. Resources may also be provided.

“Sitting in REACH Hawaii family meetings has really impacted how I see students in my classroom. Most of the time, the strategies shared work for more than just the student being addressed. Caitlyn connects with students quickly and they are just as invested in their intervention as the teachers are!”
— Sarah Traczyk, Teacher & Principal

Meet Our Intervention Specialist

Caitey Ingham, a certificated speech-language pathologist, serves as the Intervention Specialist for the Hawaii Conference. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Loma Linda University. Prior to joining our team, Caitey worked with students with disabilities in the California public school system.

Caitey has a passion for literacy, learning, and watching students meet their goals.

FAQs

  • Reaching to Educate All Children for Heaven (REACH) is an Adventist education resource and support program developed by the Northern American Division Office of Education. Educators can use REACH to determine appropriate strategies and accommodations to implement in the classroom, as well as to develop individualized plans (MAPs) to monitor and encourage educational progress.

  • REACH Hawaii is the Hawaii Conference’s implementation of REACH with the added support of a specialist.

  • No. REACH Hawaii is a support program designed to respond to various needs. Direct services will be provided to students who qualify; however, the Hawaii Conference does not have a full special education team. Students who require additional support or assessment may be referred to other professionals/organizations.

  • This is a new position in the Hawaii Conference intended for a professional who is a specialist in at least one educational area (e.g., speech-language pathologist, education specialist, etc.) who will support students and educators. Currently, the intervention specialist is a licensed SLP.

  • A speech-language pathologist (SLP; also known as a speech therapist, speech-language therapist) is a licensed specialist with a masters degree in communication sciences and disorders. SLPs work with a variety of clients of different ages across different settings. In the educational setting, SLPs typically work with students with speech, language, voice, fluency, or social language disorders. Students who receive direct services may have a variety of diagnoses or disabilities, including speech or language disorders, autism, auditory processing disorders, or dyslexia.

  • Spread the word, pray for us, and donate as you are able.