Contra Costa County Office of Education

Youth Services (YS)

Youth Services (YS) is here to support young people as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward their dreams. Whether you’re in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or facing other hurdles, YS offers programs and resources to help you stay in school, find a job, and build a future you can be proud of. Our goal is to help every young person grow into a confident, capable, and independent adult.

YS operates as a grant-funded department within the Contra Costa County Office of Education's (CCCOE) Student Programs division. Funding is provided by the California Department of Education, the Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board, Employment and Human Services, the Department of Rehabilitation, and additional sources.

Current programs include:

Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY): Supporting students experiencing homelessness to ensure equitable access to education.
Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP): Providing academic and social support for youth in foster care.
Workforce Programs: Preparing youth for employment through skill development and career pathways.
Empowerment Program:Supporting youth with education, career planning, and life skills to overcome barriers and achieve independence.

Professional Support

In addition to directly supporting youth, our department provides essential support to the educators, administrators, and professionals who work with them. These efforts focus on equipping staff with the tools and knowledge to create better outcomes for vulnerable student populations. This support includes:

Technical Assistance: Helping school district staff navigate foster youth and homeless education policies.
Professional Development: Training educators and administrators to address the unique needs of at-risk youth effectively.

Programs focused on supporting education professionals include:

Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY): Providing guidance and resources to school staff to ensure equitable access to education for students experiencing homelessness.
Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP): Offering expertise and training to school staff on meeting the academic and social needs of foster youth.
California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP): Building collaborative, school-based partnerships to address the holistic needs of students and their families.

Collaborative Partnerships

We work with school districts, social services, community colleges, probation services, juvenile courts, and community organizations to ensure youth have access to education, employment, and long-term economic opportunities.

YOUTH SERVICES CONTACTS

GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Department Phone: (925) 942-3300

Youth Services Director: Alejandra Chamberlain | (925) 942-3308

Administrative Assistant III: Dana Padilla | (925) 942-3417

PROGRAM SPECIFIC CONTACTS

California Community Schools Partnership Program

Youth Services Manager: Denise Clarke | (925) 942-3322

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program
Education Liaison I: Gina Bills | (925) 942-3363

Empowerment Program

Youth Services Supervisor: Lesi Valenzuela | (925) 942-3372

Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program
Education Liaison II: Yvonne Beals | (925) 421-1922
Administrative Assistant II: Hillary Reid | (925) 942-3311

Tutoring Program
Tutor: Lheywin Lapuz | (925) 405-6170

Workforce Programs

Youth Services Supervisor: Esperanza Ellis | (925) 942-3313

Administrative Assistant II: Krystal White | (925) 942-3307