Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, the State of California is requiring AUSD and all districts in the state to offer expanded afterschool programs for students in grades TK-6. The program promises to provide new afterschool options for families seeking childcare support in the afternoons.
What is the program?
Called the “Expanded Learning Opportunities Program” (ELOP), the initiative requires all public school districts in California to offer access to nine hours of developmentally appropriate academics and enrichment, per day, to “unduplicated students” in grades TK-6. Those are students who are low-income, English learners, or foster or homeless youth.
Across all sites, AUSD has counted 1720 unduplicated students in those grades, about 30 percent of the total TK-6 population. The state provides funding for the ELOP program based on a formula that includes that number.
Will families with students who don't qualify for free or reduced meals be allowed to sign up?
Yes, but those families will have to pay a fee.
What will the ELOP offer?
Under state law, ELOPs have to provide:
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Afterschool programming for 180 school days
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Thirty (30) 9-hour, non-school “intersession” days (i.e., summer, spring break, and other non-school days)
The programming itself has to focus on developing the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and interests of students through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
At its June 28 public meeting, AUSD’s Board of Education approved an ELOP plan that called for: quality staff; a clear vision, mission, and purpose; collaborative partnerships; skill building; youth voice and leadership opportunities; an emphasis on healthy choices and behavior; and active and engaged learning.
How did AUSD choose the provider?
AUSD issued a “Request for Proposals” on December 2, 2022. In response, the district received 12 proposals. Principals of elementary and middle schools were invited to review and provide feedback on all proposals, along with leadership in our Education and Business Services Departments. Based on the evaluation criteria, two were selected to be interviewed. After interviewing the vendors and checking references, the review committee ultimately decided to recommend to the Board a company called Right at School.
What does Right at School offer?
The review committee was impressed with Right at School’s instructional strategies, inclusive and culturally responsive teaching strategies, social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, professional development, and wide breadth of lesson plans and themes that can be customized to complement the education program at each school site.
What will happen to existing childcare providers who operate at AUSD schools?
For the sake of consistency, programs that are funded via the state ASES grant will remain. (ASES provides funding for before and afterschool programs at Title 1 schools. Currently, we have programs running at Ruby Bridges, Maya Lin, and Love.)
Other vendors, such as Alameda Arts, Alameda Education Foundation, and Alameda Island Kids (Girls Inc.), can also continue to run programs on AUSD campuses. AUSD is committed to working with them to help them find space to rent and operate their programs next year.
How can I learn more?
We have posted more information on our Expanded Learning Opportunities web page. In addition, the Board of Education will hear a presentation on the ELOP requirements, RFP process, and current recommendation at its February 28 public meeting. The Board will vote on the contract at its March 14 meeting. That meeting begins at 6:30 pm.
We will have details on the timing and logistics of applications for the new program after the March 14 Board of Education meeting.