California's 74 Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROC/Ps) have been a strong and integral part of California's educational system for over 35 years. ROC/Ps provide high school students 16 years of age and older, and also adult students, with valuable career and technical education so students can (1) enter the workforce with skills and competencies to be successful; (2) pursue advanced training in postsecondary educational institutions; or (3) upgrade existing skills and knowledge.
Approximately 460,000 students enroll in Regional Occupational Centers and Programs each year. Students receive training at a variety of venues from regular classrooms on high school campuses to actual business and industry facilities, such as automotive dealerships and hospitals. In most ROC/Ps, courses are offered during the regular school day throughout the school year, in the late afternoon and evening, and sometimes during the summer months. ROC/Ps provide rigorous and high quality programs which contribute to students' academic and career achievement which, in turn, support the economic development of the state. Students gain a unique edge in the workforce by successfully completing ROC/P training. Student enrollment in ROC/Ps varies from small numbers in rural northern California to thousands in large urban areas. ROC/Ps help to close the "achievement gap" by motivating students to learn both academic and occupational skills for future success in a career of the student's choosing.
In addition to the specific skills and comprehensive career education offered, ROC/Ps also offer employment survival skills in many aspects of a particular industry sector, placement assistance, counseling and guidance services and other critical support services for students. ROC/Ps fall under one of three distinct organizational structures: (1) school districts participating in a county office of education operated ROC/P; (2) school districts participating under a joint powers agreement; or (3) a single school district. ROC/Ps in California collaborate with public agencies and associations to create and implement important instructional classes and programs. Examples of these programs include: Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Care Aide (CNA/HCA), Automotive Youth Education Systems Programs (AYES), ROC/P California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), and SkillsUSA. One of the strengths of the ROC/P delivery system is that ROC/Ps work in partnership with local business and industry to design and provide programs for industry-based, transferable and portable certification programs based upon job market demand.
Many ROC/Ps work in partnership with a variety of California labor organizations to provide apprenticeship related and supplemental instruction to the more than 25,000 apprentices in California's trade careers.
ROC/Ps are a major resource in California's workforce development system to address the shortage of a highly qualified, skilled, and diverse workforce. Preparing California's youth and adults to be successful in the workforce adds to the economic well-being of California.
Law
California Education Code, Chapter 9, Article 1, sections 52300 through 52334 (Outside Source) contains information relating to regional occupational centers and programs.
California Education Code , Chapter 9, Article 1.5, sections 52335 through 52335.6 (Outside Source) contains information on the apportionment of funds for regional occupational centers.
The ROC/P-Workforce Development office provides technical assistance to all ROC/Ps in the following areas:
Accountability
ROC/Ps are required to report placement and enrollment information on their classes. The California Department of Education (CDE) reviews the courses taught by the ROC/Ps and the reported placement and enrollment information. The Course Review Process (formerly known as the Biennial Review) ensures compliance with federal and state laws.
ROC/Ps are eligible to apply annually for CalWORKs funding. ROC/Ps are required to report data annually for all CalWORKs students in all ROC/P courses.
ROC/Ps are also required annually, as required by Chapter 915, Statutes of 1997 for career technical education training programs, to submit the Performance Based Accountability Data Collection Report.
CalWORKs/PBA report contact:
Julie Wible, Education Programs Consultant
916-323-5759
jwible@cde.ca.gov
Course Development and Curriculum
Details about the ROC/P course development process including forms and career technical education standards can be obtained from the following:
Course Development and Curriculum contacts:
Clay Mitchell, Education Programs Consultant
916-445-5568
Southern Region
Michelle Oliveira, Education Programs Consultant
916-319-0675
Northern and Southern Regions
Julie Wible, Education Programs Consultant
916-323-5759
Central and Coastal Regions
Direct Support Professional Training Program
ROC/Ps provide the Direct Support Professional Training (DSPT) to individuals who desire to work with developmentally disabled individuals who live in licensed community care facilities.
Direct Support Professional Training Program contact:
Clay Mitchell, Education Programs Consultant
916-445-5568
cmitchel@cde.ca.gov
Programs and Grants
Programs and funding information for ROC/Ps, including apportionments, Certified Nursing Assistants, model programs and practices, CalWORKs, and federal and state grants.
Model Programs and Practices and Certified Nursing Assistants contact:
Clay Mitchell, Education Programs Consultant
916-445-5568
cmitchel@cde.ca.gov
There are many different sources of funding for ROC/Ps (apportionment,
grants, etc.).
Programs and grants contact:
Dennis J. Guido, Education I Administrator
916-322-5050
dguido@cde.ca.gov
Resources
Resources and reference materials provided for the ROC/Ps. These include a ROC/P quick reference guide, operations handbook, curriculum development resources, ROC/P basics, and studies or reports.
Contact Information
Regional Occupational Centers and Programs and Workforce Development Staff Directory
List of contact information for the California Department of Education - ROC/P-Workforce Development Office.
ROC/Ps are administered by:
California Department of Education
Secondary, Postsecondary,
and Adult Leadership Division
Regional Occupational Centers and Programs and Workforce Development
Unit
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dennis J. Guido, Education I Administrator
Phone: 916-322-5050
dguido@cde.ca.gov
