Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) 

Pre-ETS is an opportunity for students receiving services through an IEP or 504 access to meaningful career and or education planning.

Service Model

The current model is to serve students within their school during non-academic periods such as a study hall or a resource period. Virtual sessions can be arranged. Students can be seen individually or in groups. Career Coaches typically serve several schools within a week so the number of days your assigned Career Coach will be in the school will depend on need and staffing patterns. 

Based on the student's input and IEP, Career Coaches customize lessons to meet the student's transition needs and areas of Pre-ETS that will benefit the student. During school breaks, students can participate in ‘community-based’ activities with their Career Coach when desired and found to be applicable. 

Eligibility 

• Students aged 14 to 22 who receive services through an IEP or 504 plan 

Cost 

• Pre-ETS is a state-funded program, and there is no cost to families, students, or schools 

Core areas of Pre-ETS 

• Pre-ETS service areas with examples of potential activities: 
• Services are based on the student's needs and level of participation 

Career Exploration

• Discussion/research of students’ vocational interests 
• Exploring careers and career pathways 

Work-Based Learning

• Job shadowing / Touring of employers  
• Informational interviews of employers  
• Volunteering to learn workplace readiness skills

Further Education After High School

• Discovering educational opportunities  
• Attending post-high school education tours and fairs  
• Exploring financial aid opportunities

Workplace Readiness  

• Soft skills vs hard skills  
• Resume and cover letter  
• Interviewing practice  
• Practice job applications 

Instruction in Self-Advocacy

• Individual rights and responsibilities in the workplace  
• Understanding your IEP
• Self-Determination

Referral Process

Teachers complete a referral form and get a signed consent form from parents. (See Pre-ETS consent form) These are both sent by email to the Career Coach with the student's most recent IEP. The Career Coach will read the IEP and follow up with the referring teacher to seek further information and set up a schedule to meet with the student. Career Coaches will contact parents for input when appropriate. Occasionally Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) will make a referral on behalf of a student seeking the services that they feel would benefit from Pre ETS. Occasionally parents hear about the program and contact the Pre-ETS service provider.

Updates on Student Progress

Teachers and parents can notify the Career Coach what and how much feedback they want about their student. This can be written or an informal discussion. Teachers may find it beneficial to have information prior to the annual case conference and Career Coaches can attend these meetings if their schedule permits. Advance notice is recommended to best accommodate. 

Questions?

For further information please contact your school's Transition Coordinator or you can contact the school's assigned Career Coach: 

If you (or your student) attend Attica, Clay City, Covington, Fountain Central, Northview, North Vermillion, Riverton Parke, Parke Heritage MS or HS, or Indiana Connections Academy contact Nathan Woodard:  nwoodard@cars-services.org.