Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Learn More About Pre-ETS
Learn More About Pre-ETS
Would you like to know more about how Pre-ETS supports students with disabilities (SWD) in being successful in college, career, and life?
DARS Pre-ETS Informational PPT
Share with Families
Share with Families
Need an easy way to introduce Pre-ETS to families?
Script for Introducing Pre-ETS to Families (includes electronic flyer + referral form)
This script was created in response to your feedback (part of our 3-year study with VCU). Thank you for helping shape this resource!
Submitting Referrals
Submitting Referrals
The next step in connecting students to Pre-ETS is to submit a completed referral form. Please ensure the following are included:
Signed (Wet Signature required) Pre-ETS Referral Form. Find the English or Spanish Referral Form in the link!
Student’s Social Security Number
Copy of the most recent IEP
Copy of the most recent psychological report
Identify if the student is connected to CSB, receiving SSI/SSDI, POA, Guardianship or has waivers granted. Any information that will support the students access to successful services and should be uploaded in the referral.
Pre-ETS needs- Identify specific school need in addition to the Referral.
Submit All Documentation Here: DARS Submission Form
Check Application Status HERE under the Agency Connected Tab or Powerschool
Once the referral is submitted, the Transition Specialist will send out an email to introduce the DARS counselor and share how to obtain DARS Services. The Case Manager, DARS Counselor, and Program Advisor will CC'd on the correspondence.
Case Managers may want to coordinate a meeting with the DARS counselor based on school’s meeting date (listed here in the DARS Meeting Schedule Tab) through the Program Advisor where the student’s transition plan can be initiated. Updates from said meetings will be shared through the student’s transition folder in PowerSchool and should be used to update families/students accordingly by the case manager.
Who Should Be Connected?
Who Should Be Connected?
Students who would benefit from early employment counseling
Students who may need support after exiting high school and/or while in college
One of the most underutilized DARS services is their College and Assistive Technology support—a powerful tool for student success.
Current Pre-ETS Activities:
Group and Individual Student Meetings:
Group and Individual Student Meetings:
Each high school SPED team is requested to coordinate monthly DARS meetings with scholars as needed and for all new referrals and students in need. Coordination includes sending an invite to family, student, and teacher: securing a location: and sending out a student pass to attend.
DARS Virtual and In-person PRE-ETS opportunities
Opportunities for Pre-ETS will be shared by email to program advisors and should be shared with Pre-ETS Scholars. These opportunities are exclusive to Pre-ETS and must be presented as exclusive when disseminated in the schools due to the funding of said activities.
In-school Pre-ETS Programs will be available starting October 2025. Please inquire with the transition specialist for additional details:
Transition Tuesdays is held on the second of each Tuesday and offers information with families and students on Transition Topics they may be interested in- Please support this virtual event. In addition, the transition specialist will send it out to all SWD ages 14-22 including those on a 504.
Back To Transition Night- Held every year in October. This event is a great start for all new students and older students interest in Pre-ETS or already connected to get the "feel" of Pre-ETS. Meet with various DARS representatives, the DARS counselor, and their vendors to get a better idea of how Pre-ETS and Transition can support students.
SEAC Resource Fair- Held every year the Tuesday after Spring Break. This event is inlcusive for all to learn more about Special Education Services, Supports available in school, and within our community with a focus on transition.
DARS Virtual Zoom Meets- September 25- April 26-Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30-7:00PM. Eight virtual meetings to support Pre-ETS students' transition to the workforce. Topic: "Choosing a Career." See DARS Counselor for more information.
Career Exploration for 8th Graders- Learn more about the world of work- First Wednesday of each month 6:30-7:00 PM- Starts Nov 25-April 26. No Pre-ETS Required.
DARS Counselor: Ayesha Cole (All Schools)
Email: ayesha.cole@dars.virginia.gov
Pre-ETS Interagency Release of Confidential Information and Referral From
DARS Counselor: Hearing Impaired: Sheri Shimada
Scheduled DARS Meetings run 9 AM-2:30 PM, October-May
If the dedicated days do not fit into your families schedules- Please contact the DARS Counselor directly for Pre-ETS meetings and the Transition Specialist for Transition
Some months may not go as scheduled if school is closed or testing is in progress. A makeup scheduled day may be offered. Please check with the Program Advisor for more details.
Pre-ETs Coordinated Services- Hampton High School
Vendor: Versability
POC: Vickie Greatwood
Pre-ETs Coordinated Services- Phoebus High School
Vendor: The Choice Group
POC: Ericka Neville
Ppre-ETS Coordinated Services- Kecoughtan High School
Vendor: Community Knights and Blooms
Pre-ETS Coordinated Services- Bethel High School
Vendor: Didlake/ Insight Enterprises/Community Knights/PeersRSV
Pre-ETS RAMP Services-Bridgeport Academy
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