News & Events

  • FREE Computer Basics Class!
    6 week course, Tues and Thurs 3-5pm. Enroll now! See the News page for more information.
  • Citizenship Class
    Citizenship classes available. Enroll now! See the News page for more information.
  • Learn English
    English as a Second Language classes are available. See the News page for more information.
  • AutoCAD and SolidWorks, Accounting, and QuickBooks Pro
    Learn to use AutoCAD and SolidWorks in these classes. Learn accounting skills in Accounting and QuickBooks Pro. See the News page for latest details on these classes.
  • ENCORE and WDA FREE Classes Now Available
    ENCORE offers basic computer and technology training for senior job seekers. The Workforce Development Academy (WDA) provides training to help job seekers improve existing skills and develop new ones. See the News page for more information.
  • NCCT Services
    Ventura Adult and Continuing Education provides Phlebotomy and Medical Assistant certification testing services through National Center for Competency Testing. See the News page for more information.

Todd Road Jail Program

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with Ventura Adult and Continuing Education, provides educational programs for inmates residing at the Todd Road Jail in Santa Paula. Funding for these programs is provided by the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium through an Adult Education Block Grant and there is no charge to students.

Hear how the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County’s “Prison To Employment” (P2E) program is helping to open the door to a new future for justice-involved individuals looking for a fresh start.

Listen to the WDB’s “Workforce Wednesday” Ventura County Works Podcast with VACE’s Chef Amy Tyrell and Vice-Principal Steve Thompson!

Food Service and Hospitality Program


Students at the Todd Road Jail are offered an opportunity to complete up to 360 hours of the Food Service and Hospitality Program while they are incarcerated.

Admission requirements for each student:

•Be a resident inmate of Todd Road Jail; and
•Be referred by Inmate Services; and
•Be at least 18 years of age; and
•Have a strong interest in working in the food service industry; and
•Be able to benefit from training.

Program Content and Length:

This Career Technical Education program is organized into a sequence of certificates that can be earned over time. Students start with the Food Handler Certificate and continue depending on available time and their interests, abilities, and employment goals.

Food Handler Certificate

•Length: 12 hours
• Content: ServSafe® Food Handler course and assessment

Culinary Foundations Certificate

• Length: 70 hours - Lecture
• Content: ServSafe® Food Handler course and assessment
• Module I Workplace Safety
• Module II Food History and Career Opportunities
• Module III Kitchen Essentials
•Module IV Nutrition
•Module V Seeking Employment and Interviewing Skills
•Final Exam


Prep Cook Certificate

• Length: 95 hours
• Content: ServSafe® Food Handler course and assessment

Same as Culinary Foundations certificate, plus

• Module VI Breakfast Foods and Sandwiches
• Module VII Salads and Garnishing
• Module VIII Fruits and Vegetables
• Module IX Meat, Poultry and Seafood
• Prep Cook Internship •Final Exam

Line Cook Certificate
• Length: 167 hours
• Content: ServSafe® Food Handler course and assessment

Same as Prep Cook certificate, plus

• Module X Desserts and Baked Goods
• Module XI Potatoes, Legumes, Pasta and Grains
• Module XII Manager ServSafe® course and assessment

Adult Basic and Secondary Education

Students who are resident inmates of Todd Road Jail and are referred by Inmate Services may attend the following programs:

• High School Equivalency
• English as a Second Language

Life Skills

Students who are resident inmates of Todd Road Jail and are referred by Inmate Services may attend the following programs:

• Anger Management
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Basics
• Computer Literacy
• Re-Entry Action Planning and Work Readiness

Click to download a printable copy of the Todd Road Jail Program .