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COMBINED MANUAL
ISSUE DATE 12/2014
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
0028.12
SNAP: BASIC EDUCATION/GED PARTICIPATION
When participants enter the program, the Employment Services Provider (ESP) must assess the participants to determine if the participants can find a job with the skills they possess. If the lack of basic education is a barrier to obtaining suitable employment, the ESP may include basic education or GED course work in the EDP. Examples of when to include basic education or GED course work in an EDP include:
● GED course work or basic education is considered the best path to employment.
● Low skill levels make it difficult to complete job applications; interfere with the ability to get, keep, or advance on the job; or block movement toward self-sufficiency.
● The participant is very close (1 to 3 months) to completing a GED at the time of the individualized assessment.
Prior to including basic education in an EDP, the ESP should consider:
● The participant’s interest and motivation to be in school.
● The participant's history of participation and progress in similar educational activities.
● Whether there is a reasonable expectation that the participant will make sufficient improvement in a short time to noticeably increase his/her marketability.
● Any intellectual impairments or learning disabilities which may indicate the need for more specialized services.
The ESP should approve basic education in blocks of 3 months or less to allow for a review of progress prior to continuation of the activity.
POST-SECONDARY TRAINING/EDUCATION
Post-secondary training and education activities may be included in an EDP and are generally limited to 1 year. A 2nd year may be approved in limited circumstances. In order for a post-secondary education program to be approved, the participant or the provider must document that:
● The goals in the participant's EDP can only be met with the post-secondary training.
● There is a market for full-time employees with the proposed training where the participant will (or is willing to) reside upon completion of the program.
● The average wage level for employees with this training is significantly greater than the participant can earn without this training.
● The participant can meet the requirements for admission into the program.
● There is a reasonable expectation that the participant will complete the training program based on such factors as the participant’s current assessment; previous education, training, and work history; current motivation; and changes in previous circumstances.
The ESP must ensure that the participant is making satisfactory progress in the program. Satisfactory progress must be defined