7.4 Other Education
Revised on: March 19, 2026
Legal References:
The Other Education section includes:
- 7.4.1 What is Vocational Education Unapproved (VU)?
- 7.4.2 Vocational Education Unapproved- Step-by-Step Guide
There are other education and training activities available to WorkFirst parents. Each parent is unique and has strengths and abilities. As we work with parents to develop a plan to reach sustainable self-sufficiency, it is important that we match the best education activity with that individual parent's needs. The education and training activities in this section, however, may not count toward our federal participation rate.
7.4.1 What is Vocational Education Unapproved (VU)?
Participants may pursue educational activities on their own, such as academic transfer programs at an institution outside of the Community and Technical College System, and still meet the Washington State WorkFirst program participation requirements as long as they combine it with employment of a minimum of 20 hours per week, 16-19 hours per week work study, or an approved internship/practicum (see Internship/Practicum for details).
When participants share that they have signed up for educational or training classes on their own, WorkFirst staff are to:
- Determine if they are meeting the work requirement; and,
- Consult with the college staff or educational institution to find out whether the educational courses can be counted towards participation.
If the education activity is countable, the participant qualifies for child care assistance and support services. If the education activity isn't countable, the VU code is to be used. If the participant refuses to provide the information, WorkFirst staff need to determine whether the education is countable or, the education or training is to be coded as VU.
The VU code in eJAS will let you know that the education portion of the parent's IRP doesn't count toward federal participation and doesn't qualify for support services.
7.4.2 Vocational Education Unapproved- Step-by-step guide
The WFPS/WFSSS:
- Determines if the parent is meeting the minimum work requirement of 20 hours per week employment, 16-19 hours per week work study or is in an approved internship/practicum.
- Consults with the college WorkFirst Coordinator or Director or the educational institution to determine whether the educational activity is countable (and, if so, under which eJAS component code).
- Updates the parent's IRP to reflect the appropriate eJAS component code
- Documents the action in eJAS.
- Monitors the parent's progress closely
- Updates the IRP as required