New Education and Training Policy for MFIP Families

What are the changes? New policies for when parents on MFIP are allowed to include education and training in their employment plans. The changes were effective July 1, Participants must be informed of their options for educational activities.

Some Background The federal government has rules about which activities it recognizes when deciding whether enough parents are in work-related activities. Minnesota policies now allow parents to participate in education in ways that the federal government will not recognize. This creates competing pressures on job counselors.

Hourly requirements Parents on MFIP are required to participate for a minimum number of hours in activities. o 130 hrs. month with child 6 or over o 87 hrs. month with child under 6 o 55 hrs. week two-parent households Education programs they enroll in will not always provide enough hours. So they will have to have other activities in their employment plans.

English Language Learning Old PolicyNew Policy ESL classes cannot be approved beyond 24 combined months. No limit on the time a participant can participate in ESL classes. No more than 2/3 of Functional Work Literacy classes can account for work participation hours. All hours spent on Functional Work Literacy classes can count towards participants monthly hour requirements. No more than half of ESL classes can account for required work participation hours. All hours spent on ESL classes can count towards participants monthly hour requirements.

Adult Basic Education and GED Old PolicyNew Policy Participants required to have reading or math proficiency below 9 th grade level to participate in ABE classes. Anyone who lacks a High School diploma or GED must be allowed to pursue as an allowed work activity. No requirement for satisfactory progress. Participants required to make satisfactory progress. No more than half of ABE or GED classes can account for required work participation hours. All hours spent on ABE and GED can count towards participants monthly hour requirements.

Post-Secondary Education Old PolicyNew Policy Participants required to seek approval of a post-secondary training plan. Participants must discuss their education plans with their job counselor. Participants are not required to inform their employment counselors if they are participating in FastTRAC, training programs lasting less than 12 weeks, and final year of a multi- year program.

Post-Secondary Education Old PolicyNew Policy After 6 weeks of job search after program completion, participant must accept any offer of suitable employment. Time limit now extends to 12 weeks. Requirement that employment goal can only be met with additional education or training. No requirement. Requirement that education or training will result in significantly higher wages. No requirement. Requirement to asses participant’s current motivation or changes in circumstances. No requirement.

Instead of approving or denying education plans, the emphasis is on counseling 1)Are there jobs connected to the training in the region? 2) Can the parent meet admission requirements? 3) What are their strengths and weaknesses?