Narrative: j. 1.

A pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) counselor is assigned to the high schools in each county. Counselors provide direct services to students in the school setting under the core service categories for Pre-ETS. They also provide counseling and guidance and assist with transitioning potentially eligible students to VR services prior to exiting secondary education.

ARS partners with private vendors to provide Pre-ETS services to schools. Vendors submit an application to provide services. The application is reviewed by the Pre-ETS leadership team. If approved, an agreement to operate within the school system is developed and approved by the vendor, school, and the local Pre-ETS counselor. Vendors are required to submit monthly progress reports documenting students’ progress, attendance, and services (activities) provided. Vendors are monitored up to twice per year to review curriculum and quality of services.

ARS partners with school systems to provide Pre-ETS school-based programs such as Work-based Learning Opportunities Leading to Future Employment (WOLF) and Working for Independence Now (WIN!). School systems complete proposals to provide services, which delineate Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and WIOA responsibilities. The partnership includes measurable criteria, a reporting structure, and a monitoring guideline.

• ARS is responsible for transition planning and vocational rehabilitation services for eligible and potentially eligible youth and Pre-ETS counselors make every effort to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with state and local secondary education staff, post-secondary education staff, workforce development partners (e.g., Workforce Development Centers), and other vocational service providers to coordinate pre-employment transition services.
• Provides outreach and coordination activities that include, but are not limited to:
  • Participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for eligible, not yet eligible, and potentially eligible students. Staff participate in person or by teleconference, when invited and available.
  • Attending person-centered planning meetings for students (i.e., Wraparound).
  • Encouraging referral sources to refer students with disabilities in secondary education at least two years prior to high school exit or earlier as outlined in the ARS Pre-ETS Policy Manual.
  • Assigning counselors as liaisons and points of contact for each public high school in Arkansas.
  • Providing accurate information to referral sources, students, and families regarding the referral and application process for vocational rehabilitation services and for Pre-ETS.
  • Attending local career fairs.
  • Working with other WIOA programs and employers to develop work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities.
• School officials are responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education to include transition services required under IDEA.

Referral Process for Pre-ETS:

Pre-ETS counselors directly assigned to the school provide Pre-ETS referral packets to all students and schools. Students who are interested in services complete the referral packet with their parent/guardian with assistance from the Pre-ETS counselor. The Referral packet includes:

• Pre-ETS Program Participation & Referral Form
• Benefits Planning Consent Form (if applicable)
• Social Security Administration 3288 Consent Form (if applicable)

Procedures for Timely Development and Approval of Individualized Plans for Employment for Transition Students

The Pre-Employment Transition counselor attends the potentially eligible student’s IEP meeting. During this meeting, the counselor explains how the student can benefit from VR services, the VR process, and documentation required for the student to apply for VR services.

The Pre-Employment Transition counselor facilitates a referral to the vocational rehabilitation counselor for transitioning from Pre-ETS to general VR.

Age for Pre-Employment Transition Services

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services has agreed to begin Pre-Employment Transition Services as early as age 14 through age 21.