Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-9-9 - Transition And Youth Career Services › Section 32-10-9-9.2 - Pre-Employment Transition SERVICES (PRE-ETS)

Current through June 25, 2024
OVR/OVRB, in collaboration with the LEAs involved, must provide, or arrange for the provision of, Pre-ETS for all students with disabilities who are in need of such services. Pre-ETS must be made available statewide to all students with disabilities, regardless of whether the student has applied or been determined eligible for VR services. 80
PE students may receive Pre-ETS in a group or generalized classroom setting only, whereas VR eligible students may receive these services in a group or an individualized setting.
In addition, MDRS is required to reserve not less than fifteen (15) percent of its federal allotment, as well as, any funds made available from state, local, or private funding sources for the provision of Pre-ETS. Funds reserved and made available may be used for the
required, authorized, and pre-employment transition coordination
activities only. Administrative costs and/or any other costs associated with the provision of such services shall not be paid with reserved funds. 81, 82, 83
Required Pre-ETS
The five (5) mandated Pre-ETS activities that are required to be provided as needed are: 84
1.
Job Exploration
				Counseling
is designed to assist students in exploring career options,
				develop motivation for employment, and understand the role of high school and
				postsecondary education and/or training.
2.
Work-Based Learning
				Experiences
use the workplace or realistic work situations to provide
				students with the knowledge and skills for future career opportunities. These
				experiences may be provided in school or after school or experiences outside
				the traditional school setting (including internships) that are provided in an
				integrated environment to the maximum extent possible.
3.
Counseling Opportunities for
				Enrollment in Comprehensive Transition or Postsecondary Education
				Programs
are used to explore the type of occupational training and
				postsecondary opportunities needed to succeed in the workplace.
4.
Workplace Readiness
				Training
is designed to develop social skills, independent living
				skills, and behaviors necessary for employment.
5.
Instruction in
				Self-Advocacy
supports a student's ability to effectively communicate,
				negotiate, and/or assert their own interest and/or desires, including the
				development of the skills necessary for selfdetermination. It may include peer
				mentoring.
Authorized
				  Pre-ETS85
Funds remaining after all the necessary required Pre-ETS
				  activities have been provided may be used to improve the transition of students
				  with disabilities from school to postsecondary education or an employment
				  outcome by:
* implementing effective strategies that increase independent
				  living and inclusion in their communities and competitive integrated work
				  environment;
* developing and improving strategies for individuals with
				  intellectual and significant disabilities to live independently, participate in
				  postsecondary education experiences, and obtain and retain CIE;
* providing training to VR counselors, school transition
				  staff, and others supporting students with disabilities;
* disseminating information on innovative, effective, and
				  efficient approaches to implement Pre-ETS;
* coordinating activities with transition services provided
				  by LEAs under IDEA;
* applying evidence-based findings to improve policy,
				  procedure, practice, and the preparation of personnel;
* developing model transition demonstration projects;
* establishing or supporting multistate or regional
				  partnerships that involve states, LEAs, MDRS, developmental disability
				  agencies, private businesses, or others; and
* disseminating information and strategies to improve the
				  transition to postsecondary activities of those who are traditionally
				  unserved.
Pre-ETS Coordination Activities86
Funds reserved for Pre-ETS may also be used for four (4) coordination activities that consist of:
1. attending Individualized Education Program
				(IEP) meetings for students with disabilities (when invited);
2. working with local workforce development
				boards, one-stop centers, and employers to develop work opportunities for
				students with disabilities;
3.
				working with schools to coordinate and ensure the provision of PreETS;
				and
4. attending person-centered
				planning meetings for students receiving services under title XIX of the Social
				Security Act (when invited).