CRP PECT Program:
This contract is a unique program under the direction of IDHS-DRS with the students with a disability at Chicago Public Schools who are provided opportunities to explore and gain work skills by participating in Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) under Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Services are provided by Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP), hereafter referred to as Provider. The goal for each student participant is a WBLE that is in a competitive, integrated employment setting.
Under this contract, the services provided by the Provider are only available to students with disabilities who need Pre-ETS and are eligible for IDHS-DRS program and receiving services in accordance with an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). IDHS-DRS must approve and authorize the WBLE prior to provision of those services. The IPE will list this service, along with the approved service dates.
The payment structure is based on the following services- Rates as of 7/1/2024
Total value of completing WBLE for 90 days is $4,300. Rates per service are listed below with the descriptions.
15-day WBLE: $860 Paid with 15 days of employment.
45-day WBLE: $1,290 Paid with 45 days of employment.
90-day WBLE: $2,150 Paid with 90 days of employment.
Program Specific Information -
Annually, prior to funding determinations and the start of services, a copy of the curricula or materials being used to provide transition services under IDEA and the services for Pre-ETS under this TPCA contract will be submitted to IDHS-DRS Transition and Community Rehabilitation Services (TCRS) by email at DHS.CommunityResources@illinois.gov, for review and approval. The IDEA curricula or materials used will determine what Pre-ETS are needed by the student with a disability. The curricula under Pre-ETS will be instructional and will allow for skills progression growth.
Referrals for this program will come from the local IDHS-DRS office. The IDHS-DRS counselor will determine the eligibility of the students and develop an IPE that includes the CRP to provide the WBLE. A Notification of Services (NOS) must also be included.
WBLE is defined below.
Work-based learning experiences (WBLE): Enhanced opportunities for students with disabilities to practice and improve workplace skills in competitive integrated work settings which goes beyond what is provided by the education agency as a transition service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and may include in-school or after school opportunities, or experiences outside the traditional school setting (including internships). The Provider secures sites for WBLE in the community in competitive integrated employment settings to the maximum extent possible (approved by IDHS-DRS counselor) that are compatible with students' interests and needs. An exhaustive effort to provide these in an integrated setting must occur, prior to the consideration of providing these in a non-integrated work setting. To the maximum extent possible, there should be actual work experiences in an integrated community environment to prepare students for competitive integrated employment. Placements that segregate or replicate sub-minimum work will not count under this contract.
Provider will secure sites for the WBLE in a CIE setting that are compatible with the students' interest and needs.
Under the WBLE, the employment must be unsubsidized to meet the criteria for payment. This means that wages are paid in full by the employer, and there is no wage reimbursement or partial reimbursement from other sources. All state and federal labor laws will be met.
Students will work with or without support(s) to achieve the 90-day WBLE goal. Verification of employment will be submitted with this billing. This will include wage records, or paycheck information.
Under this contract, only one WBLE can be billed per student per school year. This does allow for the possibility of multiple WBLE on the same student when served during different school years with IDHS-DRS approval.
The IDHS-DRS customers participating in CRP-PECT Program will remain open through high school exit, due to receiving additional services through IDHS-DRS and Chicago Public Schools.
Students will complete a quarterly the Knowledge Check for the identified Pre-ETS during the quarter to demonstrate the progress. Results will be shared quarterly.
Verification of employment will be submitted with each WBLE (15-day, 45-day, and the 90-day) to the Local IDHS-DRS Office and the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor. This will include wage records, or paycheck information. Documentation of hours will be maintained in the Provider files and reviewed at the On-site reviews.
Billing Requirements - Provider will submit the billing by fax, e-mail, or regular mail by the 5th business day of the month following the month of services, or the following business day if this falls on a weekend or holiday, to the Local IDHS-DRS Office(s), where the customers are served, and to the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor. Local DRS Office staff will complete initial review of services provided.
IDHS-DRS counselors will submit billing to their IDHS-DRS Supervisor who will approve and submit to the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor by the 15th of the month, or the following business day if this falls on a weekend or holiday.
