About CCAS
The Contra Costa County Office of Education offers educational programs to incarcerated adults through the Contra Costa Adult School. The Contra Costa Adult School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 4,000 students participate in educational opportunities each year at one of the three jail facilities:
- Marsh Creek Detention Facility (MCDF) – Clayton
- West County Detention Facility (WCDF) – Richmond
- Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) – Martinez
Mission:
Mission:![]()
Mission:
We facilitate successful transitions of adult learners back to their communities by providing transformative education and personal development.
Programs:
Programs:![]()
Programs:
The CCAS offers the Adult Basic Literacy Program which includes basic reading, writing and mathematics. Students earn high school credits or prepare for a high school equivalency. Students can also take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) to obtain an equivalency certificate.
CCAS students take Construction Technology (MCDF) and Computer Applications (WCDF & MCDF) Career Technical Education classes. ROP certificates are awarded to students based on completion of identified school department staff and vocational/industry standards. Community college credit can also be earned in the Computer Applications class. CCAS offers a nationally recognized and state-approved substance abuse recovery educational program, DEUCE (Deciding Educating Understanding Counseling Evaluating). This curriculum includes topics such as the addiction cycle, recovery process, anger management, interpersonal communication and parenting skills.
CCAS students take Construction Technology (MCDF) and Computer Applications (WCDF & MCDF) Career Technical Education classes. ROP certificates are awarded to students based on completion of identified school department staff and vocational/industry standards. Community college credit can also be earned in the Computer Applications class. CCAS offers a nationally recognized and state-approved substance abuse recovery educational program, DEUCE (Deciding Educating Understanding Counseling Evaluating). This curriculum includes topics such as the addiction cycle, recovery process, anger management, interpersonal communication and parenting skills.
COPE (Counseling Options and Parent Education) supports two parenting classes in which students receive a Parenting Certificate that is recognized by Contra Costa County Courts and Child and Family Services. The program aims to prevent and treat behavioral, emotional and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents.
The Workforce Readiness program teaches motivational interviewing and other evidenced-based strategies are employed in a program in which students participate in career exploration and soft skills workshops. At West County and Marsh Creek there are bi-annual resource fairs providing students with opportunities to meet employers and learn about transition resources. CCAS has two Reentry Transition Specialists (RTS) who meet with interested students to identify needs and to develop a transition plan to more effectively plan for successful reintegration. The RTS’s collaborate with a variety of community partners to gather information about educational, employment, support services and other opportunities available for the reentry population. See the TRANSITION SERVICES page for more information.
