Pathways to Professionalization

FOR IHSS WORKERS

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers can access FREE training courses and career advancement opportunities through the Pathways to Professionalization for IHSS Workers program. This program is provided to IHSS caregivers in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties in Northern California.

Program Duration: July 2025-June 2027
Early Enrollment Begins: October 2025
Course Dates: February 2026-March 2027
Potential Compensation: Eligible students who complete courses in this program may receive payment.

Training curricula for the Pathways to Professionalization for IHSS Workers program were developed by the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA). The program equips home caregivers with the essential skills they need to improve the quality of care they provide to consumers. This training also strengthens job confidence and builds career pathways for advancement in long-term care.

IHSS Workers in San Francisco, Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties

Two Courses Available / Enroll Here: Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias (ADRD) and Emergency & Disaster Readiness (EDR)
Languages Offered: English, Spanish, and Cantonese
Learning Format: Self-paced eLearning online
Potential Compensation: $770
Program Dates for Northern California: February 2026 – March 2027
Eligibility: For the ADRD course, caregivers must care for a consumer at least 50 years of age who shows signs of memory loss or cognitive decline. For the EDR course, caregivers must live in an environmentally impacted neighborhood based on the CalEnviroScreen tool.

Career Pathway
Students who complete a training course in the Pathways to Professionalization for IHSS Workers program become eligible to apply for other training or career pathways, including a CCA-sponsored Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training course. This course prepares students for CNA certification, with potential for a $5/hour wage increase upon entering the CNA field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About These Caregiver Training Courses

What are the benefits for participants in Northern California?

IHSS Workers in Northern California may:

Receive a stipend of $770 upon successful completion of each e-learning course.

Qualify for CCA-sponsored CNA training to prepare for CNA certification, with potential to earn up to a $5/hour wage increase upon entering the CNA field.

Note: Additional applications and eligibility requirements apply for CNA training programs. Please contact CCA for details. Email us at: studentaffairs@advancecaregivers.org

What is the goal of the training courses offered in Northern California?

Goal: Train 850 IHSS workers across the Northern California counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara, through self-paced e-learning in ADRD & EDR.

Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please email us at: studentaffairs@advancecaregivers.org

Related Reading: Impact Stories About Caregiving