What is Pre-Ets?
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) were designed to give students with disabilities an earlier start at job exploration, career planning and post-secondary counseling to enhance their ability to gain competitive integrated work directly after high school, or after graduation from college and/or technical training . The goals of WIOA align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as with Employment First Initiatives. (Transcen, 2019).
How did Pre-Ets come about?
In 2014, the Workforce Innovations Opportunity ACT (WIOA) increased transition services for students with disabilities to by requiring Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to commit 15% of their general budget to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). In the years since 2014, states across the nation have issued Requests for Applications (RFAs) for community rehabilitation programs, independent living centers, schools, parent centers and other non profit agencies with experience in transition services to apply for grant contracts to deliver Pre ETS services.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
I have worked in Special Education since 1991. I am a retired school Principal of a regional Autism Program in Virginia. After taking a month off, I decided I had more to give to my new communities’ disabled/ challenged population.
I am a Job Coach/ Job Developer for Skills, Inc. and developer of the Pre-Ets program “Skills for Success” in partnership with (EIPD) Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities and Northeast North Carolina Schools.
Contact:
Email: maryann@skillscrp.org
Phone: (252) 242-3143
Who is eligible for Pre-Ets?
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR PRE-ETS SERVICES An individual with a disability in a secondary, post-secondary, or other recognized education program who is aged 14-21 years and is (1) eligible for and receiving special education or related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or (2) is a student who is an individual with a disability for the purposes of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (34 CFR §361.5(c)(51)). A post-secondary or other recognized education program must result in a recognized post secondary education credential (RSA TAC-17-01) (NCDHHS, 2020).
Why Pre-Ets Matters?
Pre-Ets helps students:
●Build confidence and self-awareness
●Explore career paths and postsecondary options
●Gain practical work experience
●Develop essential life and employment skills
Skills, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation working with EIPD to increase Transition Services for students with disabilities or challenges.