SNAP to Work Financial Aid Toolkit

Early Education Career Institute (EECI) Registered Apprenticeship Program

What is SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)?

SNAP Employment & Training helps SNAP recipients gain skills and find employment through approved education and training programs. EECI’s Registered Apprenticeship Program qualifies as an 80+ hours/month ETPL-authorized program.

Am I Eligible?

You may qualify if you:

·       ✅ Currently receive SNAP benefits (food stamps)

·       ✅ Are between 16-59 years old (varies by state)

·       ✅ Are able to work or participate in training

·       ✅ Live in Indiana, South Carolina, Michigan, or Nebraska

·       ✅ Are not exempt due to disability, caregiving, or other factors

Note: Some states require ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) status.

Step 1: Confirm Your SNAP Status

What to Do:

1.       Check that you are currently receiving SNAP benefits

2.       Locate your SNAP case number (on your EBT card or approval letter)

3.       Identify your local SNAP office or caseworker

Where to Find Information: (additional states not listed meet criteria)

·       Indiana: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)

·       South Carolina: SC Department of Social Services (DSS)

·       Michigan: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)

·       Nebraska: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)

Contact Your Caseworker:

·       Call your local SNAP office

·       Ask: “Does my state offer SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs?”

·       Request information about E&T participation requirements

Step 2: Verify EECI as an Approved ETPL Provider

What to Do:

1.       Confirm EECI is listed on your state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)

2.       Request written confirmation from your SNAP caseworker

3.       Ask about the 80-hour monthly requirement

State ETPL Resources:

·       Indiana: Indiana Career Connect (www.indianacareerconnect.com)

·       South Carolina: SC Works Online Services

·       Michigan: Michigan Talent Investment Agency

·       Nebraska: NEworks (www.neworks.ne.gov)

EECI Program Details to Share:

·       Program Name: ECE Registered Apprenticeship Program

·       Provider: Early Education Career Institute (EECI)

·       Monthly Hours: 80 hours in-person + online (meets SNAP E&T requirement)

·       Duration: 6 months

·       Credentials: CDA + U.S. DOL Apprenticeship Certificate

·       Cost: $3,625 (eligible for SNAP E&T funding)

Step 3: Complete EECI Application

What to Do:

1.       Visit www.eceapprentice.com or call (833) 497-9777

2.       Complete the EECI enrollment application

3.       Schedule an intake interview with EECI staff

4.       Indicate you are seeking SNAP E&T funding

Documents to Prepare:

·       Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)

·       Social Security card or number

·       Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mail)

·       High school diploma or GED (or willingness to obtain)

·       Current SNAP benefit letter or EBT card

·       Employment verification (if currently working in childcare)

EECI Will Provide:

·       Program overview and schedule

·       Letter of acceptance

·       Cost breakdown and payment options

·       SNAP E&T enrollment letter (for your caseworker)

Step 4: Request SNAP E&T Enrollment

What to Do:

1.       Contact your SNAP caseworker immediately after EECI acceptance

2.       Submit your EECI acceptance letter

3.       Request enrollment in SNAP Employment & Training program

4.       Ask for E&T component assignment (education/training track)

What to Say:

“I have been accepted into an 80-hour/month ETPL-approved training program with Early Education Career Institute. I would like to enroll in SNAP E&T to receive support for this program. Can you help me complete the enrollment process?”

Your Caseworker Will:

·       Verify EECI is an approved provider

·       Assign you to the E&T education/training component

·       Explain participation requirements

·       Process your E&T enrollment

Step 5: Complete Required SNAP E&T Paperwork

Forms You May Need to Complete:

·       SNAP E&T Participation Agreement

·       Training Provider Authorization Form

·       Monthly Attendance Verification Form

·       Progress Report Form

·       Expense Reimbursement Request Forms

Important:

·       Read all forms carefully before signing

·       Keep copies of everything you submit

·       Note all deadlines for monthly reporting

·       Ask questions if anything is unclear

Step 6: Understand Your SNAP E&T Benefits

Financial Support May Include:

Tuition/Training Costs: - Full or partial coverage of $3,625 program cost - Paid directly to EECI or reimbursed to you

Support Services: - Transportation (bus passes, mileage reimbursement, Uber/Lyft vouchers) - Childcare assistance during training hours - Books, supplies, and materials - Work-related clothing or uniforms - Technology (laptop, internet access)

Participant Reimbursements: - Varies by state ($25-$50/month typical) - Attendance incentives - Completion bonuses

Ask Your Caseworker:

·       “What support services are available to me?”

·       “How do I request reimbursement for expenses?”

·       “What is the process for transportation assistance?”

Step 7: Meet Monthly Participation Requirements

Your Responsibilities:

Attendance: - Attend 80+ hours/month (e.g. Mon-Thurs, 10 AM - 3 PM in Indianapolis) - Complete online modules as assigned - Maintain 90% attendance rate - Notify EECI and caseworker of any absences

Documentation: - Submit monthly attendance verification to caseworker - Provide progress reports from EECI - Keep records of all training hours (in-person + online) - Document OJT hours with employer

Communication: - Respond promptly to caseworker requests - Report any changes in circumstances - Update contact information immediately - Attend required check-in meetings

Step 8: Track Your Hours & Progress

Monthly Hour Tracking:

In-Person Hours (Indianapolis Satellite): - Monday: 5 hours (10 AM - 3 PM) - Tuesday: 5 hours (10 AM - 3 PM) - Wednesday: 5 hours (10 AM - 3 PM) - Thursday: 5 hours (10 AM - 3 PM) - Weekly Total: 20 hours - Monthly Total: 80 hours

Online Hours: - Self-paced modules: Integrated - Virtual sessions: Optional evenings - Counted toward total program hours

OJT Hours: - 333+ hours/month at childcare workplace - Tracked separately but supports program completion

Use EECI’s Tracking Tools:

·       Attendance sign-in sheets

·       Online module completion reports

·       OJT supervisor timesheets

·       Monthly progress summaries

Step 9: Submit Monthly Verification

What to Submit to Your Caseworker:

By the 5th of Each Month: 1. EECI Monthly Attendance Report (signed by instructor) 2. Online Module Completion Certificate 3. OJT Hours Verification (signed by employer) 4. Expense Reimbursement Requests (with receipts) 5. Progress Report (grades, competencies completed)

Submission Methods:

·       In-person at SNAP office

·       Fax to caseworker

·       Upload to state online portal

·       Email (if permitted)

·       Mail (certified/return receipt recommended)

Keep Copies of Everything!

Step 10: Complete Program & Transition to Employment

Final Steps:

Month 6 Completion: - Finish all 480 instructional hours - Complete 2,000 OJT hours - Submit CDA application - Finalize professional portfolio - Pass all competency assessments

Notify Your Caseworker: - Program completion date - Credentials earned (CDA, DOL Apprenticeship) - Job placement information - New employment start date and wages

SNAP E&T Exit: - Complete exit interview with caseworker - Submit final program completion certificate - Discuss transition from SNAP to employment - Understand how new income affects SNAP benefits

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Caseworker says program isn’t approved

Solution: Provide EECI’s ETPL documentation and DOL Registered Apprenticeship number. Contact EECI at (833) 497-9777 for assistance.

Issue: Funding denied or delayed

Solution: Request written denial reason. Appeal if necessary. Ask EECI about alternative funding (WIOA, payment plans).

Issue: Can’t meet 80-hour requirement

Solution: Speak with EECI immediately about flexible scheduling. Discuss with caseworker about accommodations.

Issue: Transportation barriers

Solution: Request SNAP E&T transportation support. EECI can coordinate Uber/Lyft or bus passes.

Issue: Childcare conflicts

Solution: Request SNAP E&T childcare assistance. EECI can help identify childcare resources.

Important Contacts

EECI Support

📞 Phone: (833) 497-9777📧 Email: enrollment@tipsforchildcare.com🌐 Website: www.eceapprentice.comAsk for: Financial Aid Coordinator

State SNAP Offices

Indiana:Indiana Family and Social Services Administration1-800-403-0864www.fssa.in.gov

South Carolina:SC Department of Social Services1-800-616-1309www.dss.sc.gov

Michigan:Michigan DHHS1-855-275-6424www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

Nebraska:Nebraska DHHS1-800-383-4278www.dhhs.ne.gov

Quick Reference Checklist

Before You Start:

☐        Confirm active SNAP benefits

☐        Locate SNAP case number

☐        Contact caseworker about E&T

☐        Verify EECI is ETPL-approved

☐        Gather required documents

Application Phase:

☐        Complete EECI application

☐        Attend intake interview

☐        Receive acceptance letter

☐        Submit to SNAP caseworker

☐        Complete E&T enrollment forms

During Program:

☐        Attend 80+ hours/month

☐        Complete online modules

☐        Track all hours accurately

☐        Submit monthly verification

☐        Maintain communication

☐        Request reimbursements promptly

At Completion:

☐        Notify caseworker of completion

☐        Submit final documentation

☐        Report job placement

☐        Complete E&T exit process

Additional Funding Options

If SNAP E&T is not available or doesn’t cover full costs:

·       WIOA/ETPL: Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act funding

·       TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

·       Indiana Fast Track DWD: Indiana-specific workforce funding

·       Employer Sponsorship: Ask your childcare employer

·       Payment Plans: $302/month for 12 months

·       Scholarships: EECI donor scholarships available

Contact EECI to explore all options!

Success Tips

✨ Communicate early and often with both EECI and your caseworker

✨ Document everything - keep copies of all paperwork

✨ Meet deadlines - late submissions can jeopardize funding

✨ Ask questions - don’t wait until problems become crises

✨ Stay organized - use a binder or folder for all documents

✨ Be persistent - navigating systems takes patience

✨ Celebrate progress - you’re investing in your future!

You’ve got this! EECI is here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Questions? Call us at (833) 497-9777