West Valley Occupational Center Academics
West Valley Occupational Center is an alternative education and work center that provides studies for high school age students who have been out of school 45 days or longer and want to continue their education in an unconventional way. The school will tailor a plan contingent on the student’s high school credits.
West Valley offers a variety of programs in a number of fields including business, childcare, cosmetology, health, technical, automotive and an academic department.
The Business Department at West Valley offers programs including accounting, medical office assisting and medical transcription. Math, reading or language competencies may be required to receive a certificate in some of these classes.
The Child Care certificate requires that the student take four core classes including Home, School and Community, Child Guidance #1, Child Guidance #2 and Growth and Development. This certificate also requires 10 hours of field work per week. Child care classes meet qualifications for infant/pre-school teachers set forth by the California State Department of Social Services.
The Automotive Occupation Program at West Valley offers courses in automotive technology, engine tune-up and auto body repair. Classes are designed to provide automotive skills, knowledge and preparation for certification exams.
General academic programs at West Valley include high school diploma and GED preparation and adult independent study. There is also a department at West Valley devoted to teaching English as a Second Language.
The Cosmetology Program at West Valley prepares students for the State of California Cosmetology License. Most courses require the students to be 16 years old, pass a reading test and have completed the 10th grade.
The Health Occupation Program at the school helps students prepare for a number of certification exams in the state of California including the American Board of Opticiantry Exam, The State Nursing Assistant Examination, The Pharmacy Certified Technician Exam and the National Registry Examination.
West Valley has a rich technical and vocational career program that includes classes in drafting, landscaping, locksmithing and computer networking and repair.
For some unknown reason the school does not allow students email address access. It makes contacting faculty very difficult if not impossible, especially if you do not have a phone. Students should have access to email accounts as long as they are registered.