Have you ever heard of Pre-ETS?

There are several terms related to the

that might be familiar – IEP, transition, goals, 504 plan, accommodations, and advocacy just to name a few. But what about the term “Pre-ETS?” That term may not be as familiar.

So…what are Pre-ETS? Pre-ETS is short for Pre-Employment Transition Services. Essentially this is a federal program for students with documented disabilities between the ages of 14 – 22. In this program students will gain valuable life and job skills as well as explore and plan for their futures beyond high school. Teachers and school administrators play a vital role in helping students transition out of high school, therefore, Pre-ETS specialists come along-side those teachers to reiterate concepts and to provide additional resources and support to students who need extra help.

There are 5 categories of Pre-ETS –

1.    Job Exploration

2.    Workplace Readiness Training

3.    Work-Based Learning

4.    Instruction in Self-Advocacy

5.    Post-Secondary Education Counseling

When students are enrolled in Pre-ETS, they will participate in a variety of activities and lessons that will address the 5 Pre-ETS categories. Below you will find just some of many examples of how Pre-ETS can benefit students:

Career assessments can be done for Job Exploration in order to help students explore careers that might be a good fit for them. Mock interviews may be conducted to allow students practice to gain necessary Workplace Readiness Skills. Students might run a bake sale during their lunch to give them real-life work experience through Work-Based Learning. Students can learn the importance of telling others what they need through Self-Advocacy Instruction. The Pre-ETS specialist may schedule a local college tour so that students can learn more about college opportunities in their area.

 You might be wondering, “How can I or my child be involved in Pre-ETS?” The good news is that at the STAR Center Inc., our Pre-ETS specialists serve both schools and individuals. If our specialists do not attend your school, feel free to contact either Marya Bailey (marya.bailey@star-center.org) or April Daniels (april.griffin@star-center.org) for more information. In order to begin Pre-ETS services, the participant must be between the ages of 14 – 22, a permission form must be filled out, and we must have proof of disability (either through a doctor’s letter or IEP).

For additional resources and information, please visit:

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation/transition-services/pre-employment-transition-services.html 

https://transitiontn.org/