General Policies for an Approved Program in Career Development: Career Development

1. Definition
   Career Development is defined as the process of helping people develop and accept an integrated and accurate picture of themselves and their role in the "World of Work." Career Development activities are designed to extend services to all schools and the students in order to enhance the student's abilities to make wise and realistic career and educational choices.
2. Basic Objectives
   The primary objectives for Career Development are:
   1. To serve all secondary students through Career Development programs
   2. To provide pre-service and in-service education to upgrade and enhance counselor competencies in all counseling programs
   3. To support and enhance career and technical education program areas
3. Grade Levels
   The groups to be served, including members of special populations, through Career Development programs, in order of priority, are:
   1. Secondary Level – 7-12
   2. Postsecondary Level – Career and Technical Studies
4. Career Development programs
   These exist for the purpose of delivering career and educational guidance services to the students. A qualified guidance counselor provides services to students in grades 7-12 in each of the participating schools. Program components include: individual and group counseling, career assessments, occupational resource materials, student surveys and needs assessments, placement, follow-up and any other services that will meet the student's career development needs. One district holds the counselor's contract. The district holding the contract is the CONTRACTING school. The school district receiving services is the RECEIVING school. Contact the Department of Career and Technical Education for current information on reimbursement rates for state funded programs. Reimbursement rates may change pending CTE policy. Career Development programs are also eligible for federal funding through the Carl Perkins Act. Federal funds may be used for salary, travel, equipment and materials expenses directly related to Career Development program costs as approved by the CTE. Specific guidelines for program implementation include:
   1. Three or more secondary schools cooperating for a Career Development program will continue to be a high priority.
   2. The Career Development program must follow appropriate professional standards. Priority will be given to a school or consortium served by a full-time CTE Career Development certified counselor with a master's degree in Ed., Guidance and Counseling. All Career Development counselors must be certified through CTE.
   3. Application for programs must be received and approved by the Department of Career and Technical Education before using state and/or federal funds.
   4. A maximum student/counselor ratio of 350 students to one counselor is recommended.
   5. Career Development programs may be full or part-time programs, however, full-time programs will receive a higher priority for funding. Any program less than full-time must document time and effort.
   6. Postsecondary and adult Career Development programs must receive prior approval by CTE before using special project or other federal funds. Districts may be eligible if the program does not supplant existing counseling programs. Special considerations may be made for extenuating circumstances. (Example: High concentration of special needs students or other high-risk populations).
   All career development programs will be designed to meet the Program Standards. Each counseling program is required to be on-site at their cooperating schools a minimum of one half day per week.

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