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Minnesota Family Investment Program Minnesota House Research Department Page 25 4) Job search, including job readiness assistance, job clubs, job placement, job-related counseling, and job retention services 5) Job readiness education, including English as a second language or functional work literacy classes, general educational development course work or adult high school diploma, high school completion, and adult basic education 6) Job skills training directly related to employment, including postsecondary education and training that can reasonably be expected to lead to employment 7) Providing child care services to a participant who is working in a community service program 8) Activities included in the employment plan 9) Pre-employment activities, including chemical and mental health assessments, treatment, and services; learning disability services; child protective services; family stabilization services; or other programs designed to enhance employability Generally, MFIP is designed to give the job counselor a great deal of discretion in approving activities for inclusion in a participant’s job search support plan or employment plan. However, the 2003 Legislature limited that discretion by providing that English as a second language classes are an approved work activity only for participants who are below a specified level on a nationally recognized test (Minn. Stat. § 142G.59, subd. 2). Postsecondary Education as a Work Activity Participants who are interested in pursuing postsecondary education or training as part of their employment plan must discuss their plans with their job counselor. Job counselors must work with participants to evaluate options by: 1) advising whether there are suitable employment opportunities that require the specific education or training in the area in which the participant resides or is willing to reside; 2) assisting the participant in exploring whether the participant can meet the requirements for admission into the program; and 3) discussing the participant’s strengths and challenges based on the participant’s MFIP assessment, previous education, training, and work history. These requirements do not apply to participants who are in: 1) a recognized career pathway program that leads to stackable credentials (a series of credentials that can be accumulated to help an individual move along a career pathway); 2) a training program lasting 12 weeks or fewer; or 3) the final year of a multiyear postsecondary education or training program. The MFIP law also requires a participant for whom a postsecondary education or training program has been approved to maintain satisfactory progress in the program. Under MFIP, postsecondary education is limited to four years (Minn. Stat. § 142G.58).