The concept of an “after care program” in education refers to structured programs offered to students outside of regular school hours. These programs, often termed “expanded learning opportunities,” aim to enrich students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development through engaging and hands-on learning experiences. In California, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) embodies this After Care Program Meaning by providing substantial funding for afterschool and summer enrichment for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.
This article delves into the meaning of after care programs within the context of ELO-P, outlining its legal foundation, funding mechanisms, program requirements, and available resources. Understanding ELO-P provides clarity on how California is investing in after care to support its young learners.
Legal Foundation of Expanded Learning in California
The ELO-P is mandated and defined by California Education Code (EC) Section 46120. This section has been amended through several legislative actions, including AB 181, AB 185, SB 114, and AB 176, reflecting the ongoing development and refinement of the program.
California Education Code for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program
This legal framework emphasizes that expanded learning programs—synonymous with after care programs in this context—should be:
- Pupil-centered: Focused on the needs and interests of the students.
- Results-driven: Aiming for measurable positive outcomes in student development.
- Community-partner inclusive: Encouraging collaboration with local organizations and resources.
- Complementary to regular schooling: Designed to enhance, not replicate, the learning that occurs during the standard school day and year.
This definition underscores that after care programs under ELO-P are not merely childcare but intentional educational extensions designed to foster holistic child development.
ELO-P Funding and Expenditure Guidelines
The California Department of Education (CDE) manages the allocation of ELO-P funds to school districts and charter schools. These funds are specifically designated to support afterschool and summer school enrichment programs for students from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade (TK/K-6).
ELO-P Apportionments
Principal Apportionments for ELO-P in Fiscal Year 2024–25 have been published by the CDE. These apportionments detail the funding allocated to each eligible Local Educational Agency (LEA) to facilitate access to quality after care programs.
For specific details on Principal Apportionments, you can visit the Principal Apportionment Section for ELO-P web page. For inquiries related to apportionments, contact the Principal Apportionment Section at [email protected]. For questions about instructional time and attendance, reach out to [email protected].
Expenditure Reporting and Deadlines
To ensure accountability and proper use of funds, ELO-P has specific expenditure deadlines and reporting requirements.
Fiscal Year 2021–2022 and Fiscal Year 2022–2023 Expenditure Reporting
The deadline to spend or encumber funds from the 2021–22 and 2022–23 ELO-P allocations was June 30, 2024. Any encumbered funds needed to be expended by September 30, 2024, or returned to the state. The expenditure report submission deadline was October 31, 2024.
FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 Expenditure Report
Fiscal Year 2023 Expenditure Reporting and Subsequent Years
For the 2023–24 fiscal year onwards, the guidelines stipulate that allocated funds must be liquidated by June 30 of the fiscal year following the appropriation year. Unliquidated funds must be returned to the state. LEAs are required to submit final expenditure reports by September 30 of the second fiscal year after the appropriation. Failure to submit this report results in forfeiture of all allocated funds for that fiscal year.
| Fiscal Year | Liquidation Deadline | Final Expenditure Report Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | June 30, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
| 2024-2025 | June 30, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
| 2025-2026 | June 30, 2027 | September 30, 2027 |
These deadlines are critical for LEAs to manage their ELO-P funding effectively and comply with state regulations, ensuring the continued provision of after care programs.
Provisions for Closed Charters
Specific rules apply to charter schools that cease operations. In such cases, a final expenditure report is due within 60 days of closure. The CDE will recover any unspent funds from the fiscal year of closure and the preceding fiscal year. This ensures financial accountability even when educational institutions undergo significant changes.
Program Plan Development
A cornerstone of ELO-P is the requirement for each LEA to develop a comprehensive program plan. This plan, mandated by California Education Code Section 46120, must outline how the LEA will operate its expanded learning programs. The program plan must be approved in a public meeting by the LEA’s Governing Board and subsequently posted on the LEA’s website for public transparency.
This requirement ensures that after care programs are thoughtfully designed and aligned with community needs and educational goals. Questions regarding program plan development can be directed to the Expanded Learning Division at [email protected].
Audit and Compliance
To maintain program integrity and fiscal responsibility, ELO-P programs are subject to audits. The 2024-25 ELO-Program audit procedures are detailed in Section “DZ” of the audit guide. These procedures are used to assess the 2024-25 program records and data, ensuring compliance with ELO-P guidelines and proper use of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions and Resources
For readily available answers to common queries, the CDE provides a Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 03-Oct-2024) document specifically for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program.
Furthermore, a robust System of Support for Expanded Learning is in place in California. This network includes CDE staff, County Leads/Staff, and contracted Technical Assistance Providers, all dedicated to supporting the successful implementation and operation of after care programs.
An informative ELO Program PowerPoint presentation (PPTX; Updated 15-Feb-2024) is also available. This presentation offers updated guidance incorporating SB 141, providing a comprehensive overview of the program.
Annual Reporting and Data Collection
ELO-P includes annual reporting requirements to monitor program reach and effectiveness, particularly concerning Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten (K) students.
ELO-P TK and K Legislative Report
The ELO-P Transitional Kindergarten (TK) & Kindergarten (K) Report is designed to gather data from each LEA about their ELO Program’s structure and accessibility for TK/K students. For the 2023-24 school year, LEAs were surveyed about third-party providers offering programs at non-LEA sites.
ELO-P TK and K Legislative Report
Third Party Off Site Provider Survey
California Education Code Section 46120(e) mandates that LEAs receiving ELO-P funds in 2023-24 must report data on all third-party providers operating programs off-site, including California State Preschool Programs (CSPP). This annual survey collects vital data on each third-party provider location, the grades served, and license numbers, if applicable.
This data collection is crucial for understanding the landscape of after care programs in California and ensuring comprehensive service delivery.
Conclusion
Understanding the “after care program meaning” within the context of California’s ELO-P reveals a significant investment in the holistic development of young students. ELO-P is more than just supervision after school; it is a state-funded initiative designed to provide enriching expanded learning opportunities that complement regular schooling and support the diverse needs of students in TK-6th grade. By adhering to the legal guidelines, funding protocols, and reporting requirements of ELO-P, California’s educational agencies can effectively leverage these resources to create impactful after care programs that benefit students, families, and communities.
For further inquiries, the Expanded Learning Division can be contacted at [email protected] or 916-319-0923.
Last Reviewed: Friday, February 21, 2025
