Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Laurel Public Schools is committed to preparing students with disabilities for successful lives after high school. Through our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program, students have opportunities to explore careers, develop workplace readiness skills, and prepare for post-secondary education, training, competitive integrated employment, and independent living.
Pre-ETS is provided in partnership with the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) and is available to students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VRBS services.
Our goal is to provide students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that help them discover their interests, build confidence, and develop the skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.
Who Can Participate?
Students may be eligible for Pre-ETS if they:
- Are generally between the ages of 14 and 21;
- Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or another documented disability; and
- Are enrolled in a secondary educational program.
Participation is determined in collaboration with the student, family, school staff, and Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services.
Required Pre-ETS Services
Federal law identifies five required Pre-Employment Transition Services that help prepare students for life after high school.
Job Exploration Counseling
Students explore careers through:
- Career interest inventories
- Career awareness activities
- Labor market information
- Guest speakers
- Career research
- Industry exploration
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Students gain real-world work experience through opportunities such as:
- Job shadowing
- Workplace tours
- Career observations
- Community-based work experiences
- Volunteer opportunities
- Paid or unpaid internships
- Summer employment experiences, when available
Counseling on Postsecondary Education
Students learn about opportunities after high school, including:
- Two-year and four-year colleges
- Trade and technical schools
- Apprenticeships
- Military options
- Adult education programs
- Vocational training
- Financial aid and college admissions
Workplace Readiness Training
Students develop essential employment and independent living skills, including:
- Communication skills
- Professional behavior
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Resume writing
- Job applications
- Interview preparation
- Financial literacy
- Transportation planning
Instruction in Self-Advocacy
Students learn to:
- Understand their disability
- Identify strengths and areas of need
- Request accommodations
- Participate in IEP meetings
- Set personal and career goals
- Develop leadership and decision-making skills
- Build self-confidence and independence
Laurel Public Schools Pre-ETS Program
Laurel Public Schools offers Pre-ETS through classroom instruction, community-based learning experiences, individual coaching, and collaboration with local businesses and community partners. Students participate in activities designed to build independence while exploring career pathways aligned with their interests and strengths.
Our program emphasizes:
- Career exploration
- Employment readiness
- Community engagement
- Independent living skills
- Postsecondary planning
- Self-determination
- Work-based learning experiences
Students have opportunities to participate in job shadows, employer presentations, workplace visits, career fairs, hands-on learning experiences, and transition planning activities throughout the school year.
Family Involvement
Families play an important role in helping students prepare for life after high school. Laurel Public Schools encourages parents and guardians to participate in transition planning, attend informational meetings, and collaborate with school staff and community agencies to support each student's goals.
Community Partnerships
Laurel Public Schools partners with Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS), local businesses, community organizations, postsecondary institutions, and workforce agencies to provide students with meaningful transition experiences and employment opportunities.
Learn More:
For additional information about the Pre-Employment Transition Services program, eligibility, or available opportunities, please contact:
Christina Petersen
Director of Student Services
(406) 628 - 3360 ext. 3311