DPSS ePolicy

Conversion of existing policy to new writing style only - No concept changes. 

An allowable Self-Initiated Program (SIP) is an educational/training program in which the participant was enrolled prior to the Orientation/Appraisal appointment. An allowable SIP is an undergraduate degree, a post-baccalaureate degree for a California teaching credential, or a certificate program that leads to employment. A SIP must be approved for it to qualify as a Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow (START) activity.  

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Terms and Descriptions

The requirements to enroll in a SIP are:

1. Must be enrolled in an education program prior to the first case manager appointment (CMA). 
   
   
2. Must lead to an undergraduate degree, or post-baccalaureate degree for a California teaching credential or certificate program, and that is listed in the GN 6141.
   
   
3. Must not have a Bachelor's degree (except as described above). 
   
   
4. May currently hold a certificate, or vocational license, and/or have employable skills. 
   
   
5. Must provide proof of enrollment.
   
   
6. Online Education may be approved if all the following criteria are met: 
   
   
   1. The school, and course/program are accredited by a reputable accrediting board such as the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) or the appropriate regulatory board for out-of-state schools;
      
      
   2. Prior to submiting distance learning courses/programs for approval the individual must confirm via a GEN 853 Sworn Statement that they have access to a computer and the internet;   
      
      
   3. Enrollment and attendance can be verified. Verification of the online course/program can include a printout of the time spent online;
       
   4. Leads to the individual satisfying the SIP criteria; and
       
   5. If the course or class is offered in a classroom or online, the individual must choose the classroom setting, unless this conflicts with the individual's supportive services appointments or employment. 
       
7. When the indivual is not attending a SIP 20 hours a week, they must be assigned to a concurrent assignment which together equals 20 hours of approved START participation. 
    
8. The SIP can be completed within the remaining time on aid. 
   
   
9. The course of study does not lead to:
    
   1. General Education Equivalency Diploma (GED),
      
      
   2. High School Diploma, nor is an
      
      
   3. Adult Basic Education (ABE), and is not an
      
      
   4. English as a Second Language (ESL) Class. 

Exception: An individual who is enrolled in a SIP that is not approved, may be allowed to continue for the current term. However, they must be progressing satisfactorily to continue in the non-approved SIP. At the completion of the term, the individual must be assigned to an approved SIP or another START activity.

Proof of enrollment includes: 

1. ABP 1464, START Verification Request Form
   
   
2. Letter from the school or training program
   
   
3. Financial Aid Statement
   
   
4. Computer printout of course time spent online

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