Navigating college as a parent can be challenging, especially when juggling finances and childcare. If you’re considering the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program at Edmonds College and wondering about childcare support, you’re in the right place. This guide answers your frequently asked questions about the BFET program, with a special focus on how it can assist with childcare expenses, enabling you to pursue your education and career goals.
Understanding the BFET Program and Its Core Objectives
The Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program is designed to support recipients of Basic Food benefits (SNAP/EBT) in Washington State. It aims to provide crucial employment services and resources to help individuals gain skills and find sustainable employment. At Edmonds College, BFET acts as a bridge, offering a variety of support services to students who are also Basic Food recipients. The ultimate goal of BFET is to empower students to achieve self-sufficiency through employment.
What Kind of Programs at Edmonds College Does BFET Support?
A key benefit of the BFET program is its broad applicability to educational pursuits. If your primary aim is to gain employment, virtually any program offered at Edmonds College can be eligible for BFET support. This includes a wide spectrum of academic and vocational paths, ensuring that students have flexibility in choosing a program that aligns with their career aspirations.
Can I Pursue Transfer or BAS Degrees with BFET Support?
Yes, if you’re aiming for a transfer degree, BFET can absolutely support you. The program recognizes the value of further education and includes transfer degrees within its eligibility criteria. However, it’s important to note that Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees are currently not approved for BFET support according to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) guidelines. It’s always best to confirm program eligibility with a BFET advisor.
Am I Applying for Multiple Programs with the BFET Application?
Edmonds College’s Workforce Development Programs, including BFET, Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, and WorkFirst, utilize a common application for efficiency. This streamlined approach means that when you apply for BFET, you are also screened for eligibility for these other potentially beneficial programs. Many students qualify for co-enrollment in multiple programs, maximizing the support services available to them with minimal additional paperwork. These programs are designed to work in tandem to provide comprehensive support to students.
Why Apply for BFET if I’m Already Applying for Financial Aid?
It’s a common question: if you’re seeking financial aid, what additional value does BFET provide? BFET can act as a vital financial bridge, especially while you are waiting for your financial aid to be processed and awarded. Beyond potential tuition assistance, BFET offers a robust suite of support services. These include priority registration for classes, referrals for Basic Food benefits through DSHS, employment search assistance, and crucially, childcare assistance for eligible participants. BFET staff will review your complete financial aid package and explore possibilities for supplementary financial support within your student budget.
Will BFET Cover the Entire Cost of My Program?
It’s important to understand that BFET is not designed to be a full program funding source for every student. Instead, BFET operates on a quarter-by-quarter basis, assessing each student’s needs and available program funding. If BFET has tuition funds available and can provide assistance, it will consider providing additional funding. Think of BFET as a valuable supplement and support system rather than a complete scholarship.
When Will I Know if I Qualify for Childcare Assistance Through BFET?
Understanding Childcare Coverage with BFET: This is a key question for many parents. After you have submitted a complete BFET application and received approval from DSHS for BFET participation, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will determine your eligibility for childcare assistance. To move forward with this process, you will need to meet with BFET staff at Edmonds College to create an on-campus training plan. This plan is a crucial step in the eligibility process for both BFET participation and childcare assistance.
Key Takeaway: The BFET program can indeed be a valuable resource for childcare support, but it’s a multi-step process involving DSHS and DCYF approvals, along with the creation of a BFET training plan at Edmonds College.
What Happens if Financial Aid Requires Reinstatement? Can BFET Help?
Financial Aid and BFET both monitor academic progress. If Financial Aid requires you to petition for reinstatement to continue your studies at Edmonds College, it will also affect your BFET eligibility. However, BFET staff are there to help. Once they review your application and Financial Aid status during your intake appointment, they can discuss potential options with you. While BFET cannot guarantee tuition and book coverage during a Financial Aid petition or if Financial Aid is not approved, they can explore available resources and strategies with you.
Can I Apply for BFET if I Already Have an Advanced Degree?
Yes, even if you possess an advanced degree, you are still welcome to apply for BFET-approved programs. Eligibility for funding, however, will depend on the availability of BFET funds. The program prioritizes those seeking to gain new skills for employment, regardless of prior educational attainment.
Do I Need a GED or HS21+ to Enroll in Vocational Programs with BFET?
Not necessarily. The BFET program is designed to be accessible and supportive. You can actually work towards earning your GED® or HS21+ completion through the BFET program itself. Furthermore, you might be able to take vocational classes that can be applied towards your High School completion. It’s recommended to speak with a Pre-College department advisor at Edmonds College to explore this option in detail.
Why is the Academic Plan So Important for BFET?
The Academic Plan serves as your personalized roadmap for your studies at Edmonds College. It outlines the specific courses required to complete your chosen program. BFET relies on your Academic Plan to seek approval from DSHS for your training participation. Adhering to your Academic Plan and taking the required courses is essential to maintain your eligibility for the BFET program. It ensures that your educational path is aligned with the program’s employment-focused objectives.
What is an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) in BFET?
Just as the Academic Plan guides your coursework, the Individual Employment Plan (IEP) is your guide to your employment goals within the BFET program. The BFET grant mandates that every participant has an IEP. This document, created during your intake appointment and updated annually, outlines your employment aspirations and steps to achieve them.
How Specifically Does BFET Assist with Employment?
BFET in Snohomish County has partnered with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide direct, personalized job search assistance to BFET students. This one-on-one support offers a range of BFET services, including childcare referrals and Basic Food referrals, during your job search phase. Referrals to these CBO partners can be made at any point during your BFET enrollment, offering continuous employment support.
Must I Maintain My Food Benefits to Participate in BFET?
Yes, maintaining your Basic Food benefits is a requirement for BFET participation. If your food benefits are terminated for any reason, BFET will not receive continued approval from DSHS for your participation, which could impact your eligibility for the program and its services, including childcare assistance.
Can I Be Enrolled in TANF and BFET Simultaneously?
No, concurrent enrollment in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and BFET is not permitted. To be eligible for BFET, students must be completely off TANF before the quarter begins. This requires notifying DSHS before the 20th of the month preceding the start of the quarter to ensure TANF benefits are ceased in time.
What If DSHS Requires BFET Participation to Maintain My Basic Food Benefits?
In some cases, DSHS may mandate BFET program participation as a condition for maintaining your Basic Food Benefits eligibility. If this is your situation, it’s crucial to apply for BFET. If approved, Edmonds College BFET staff will provide you with a Basic Food Referral to DSHS, fulfilling this requirement and connecting you with valuable resources.
Conclusion: BFET as a Support System for Parents at Edmonds College
The BFET program at Edmonds College offers a comprehensive support system for students receiving Basic Food benefits, especially parents. While navigating eligibility for childcare coverage within BFET involves understanding DCYF processes and creating a training plan, the program is designed to be a valuable resource. By providing financial aid guidance, priority services, and employment support, including connections to childcare assistance, BFET empowers student parents to achieve their academic and career aspirations. If you believe you may be eligible for BFET, reaching out to Edmonds College’s BFET program is a worthwhile step to explore the available support and take a significant step towards your educational and professional future.
