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The purpose of the California AfterSchool Network is to increase access to high-quality out-of-school time programs that support success for all children and youth.
News and Events
We are committed to providing you with the resources and tools necessary to build high quality out-of-school time programs in California. Keep up to date with all the latest news and events.
Registration is OPEN for the AB86 ELO Grant Convening!
Wednesday, May 5, 2021; 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Join us for a convening on A Whole Child Approach to the AB86 Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grants!
All CA Educators, of all sectors, are invited and encouraged to participate! This free virtual convening is designed to support the CA Educational Ecosystem with state and federal opportunities in supporting children, youth, and communities, with a Whole Child approach.
Space is limited, secure your spot today!
Register Today! A Whole Child Approach to the AB86 Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grant Convening
For ALL California Educators and Education Leaders!
Wednesday, May 5, 2021: 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM
The CA AfterSchool Network is excited to collaborate with the CA Department of Education, Expanded Learning Division, and the CA Collaborative for Educational Excellence to offer ALL CA Educators and Educational Leaders, of all sectors, an opportunity to participate in a free virtual convening, to support A Whole Child Approach to the AB86 ELO Grant.
Registration and Convening Details
Policy Updates on Program Flexibility & AB86
Fireside Chat: April 2, 2021
Join us for our 27th fireside chat. In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk from the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education discuss several important policy updates on program flexibility for the 2021-2022 school year and on implementation and support of the AB 86 Expanded Learning Opportunity Grants.
Access More AB86 Details:
Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant (AB 86) Plan Template and Instructions has Posted
March 26, 2021
The California Department of Education (CDE) has posted the Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant Plan template and instructions on the CDE’s website here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/covidreliefgrants.asp. The Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant Plan must be completed by local educational agencies (LEAs) as a condition of receiving an Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant.
Interview with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
Fireside Chat: March 11, 2021
Join us for our 26th fireside chat. In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk from the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education are joined by Dr. Francine Ann Stewart from Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. We discuss practical ways that MPUSD has addressed COVID-19 challenges including prioritizing enrollment, policies and procedures including COVID exposure notifications that keep students and staff safe, staffing challenges and planning for summer. Access related materials discussed during the chat:
Elk Grove USD & Updates on AB86, Audits, Waivers, and Flexibility
Fireside Chat: March 5, 2021
Join us for our 25th Fireside Chat. In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk from the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education are joined by Erin Sipes and Athena McQuarry from Elk Grove Unified School District. We discuss several important policy updates on the signing of AB86 (in particular section 43522 of the bill), program flexibility, waivers, and audits, and the group chats about their learning hubs and planning efforts.
Access the full text of AB86 on Leg Info.
CAN STEAM Newsletter – Diverse Role Models and Mentors
February 25, 2021
Welcome to CAN’s first monthly STEAM newsletter! We will be sharing content from the Million Girls Moonshot and other STEAM initiatives that support STEAM in our Expanded Learning programs.
SB 86 Update & Summer Planning with Oxnard
Fireside Chat: February 19, 2021
Join us for our 24th fireside chat. In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk from the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education are joined by Ginger Shea and team from Oxnard Unified School District and their city partners. Michael shares out some brief but big policy updates on the budget and SB86 and the group chats about planning for Summer Learning this year in a COVID context. Below are a couple of resources to help you start planning for summer today:
CAN Newsletter – We <3 Afterschool!
February 11, 2021
Each year in the month of February we celebrate our love for afterschool programs and the amazing staff that support these programs. We hope that you join us this month in sharing the love and celebrating all that is amazing about afterschool!
Grant Extensions & Other Key Updates
Fireside Chat: February 8, 2021
Join us for our 23rd fireside chat. In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk from the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education to share breaking news on grant extensions and other budget and legislation updates that impact California’s Expanded Learning programs. Below are resources and opportunities outlined during the chat.
- Opportunity for Input: Survey – Impact & Role of Expanded Learning During COVID
- Resource: AB 104 Planning Tool
- Event: Registration Still Open for the Site Coordinator Symposium Feb 9-11
A Hub of Community Resilience: California’s Expanded Learning Programs Respond to Crisis
A State of the State Brief: December 2020
This State of the State Brief provides a high-level overview of the public investment in the Expanded Learning Infrastructure in California and how that system has been leveraged to respond to crises in the state, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanded Learning programs are a critical partner to help California respond to crises and ultimately build back stronger. Pandemic or not, Expanded Learning programs need equitable and sustainable funding to ensure the economic success of young people and their futures, as well as the progress of California. An investment in Expanded Learning is an investment in our youth, our families, and our communities.
New Household Survey: California Is a ‘Top 10 State for Afterschool, ’ Even as Unmet Demand for Programs Increases
December 8, 2020
Student participation that exceeds the national average and overwhelming parent satisfaction with afterschool programs make California a “Top 10 State for Afterschool,” according to a household survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and released today. Nevertheless, unmet demand for programs – the percentage of California parents who say they would enroll their child in an afterschool program if one were available to them – is high, especially among low-income families, who report cost as a significant barrier.
COVID-19 Guidance from CDE Expanded Learning Division
As of March 1, 2021
Recent guidance from the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) has
- ensured grants remain intact,
- programs will receive attendance relief for closures related to COVID-19,
- grant reductions have been suspended, and
- hourly employees and classified staff can continue to be paid.
More specific details are outlined in the below links:
- Suspended 2021-22 Audits (March 1, 2021)
- Extended Timelines for the Kids Code Pilot Grant Program
- Update to Reporting Attendance for FY20-21 (February 2, 2021)
- Expanded Learning Guidance on License Exempt Waivers (October 20, 2020)
- Expanded Learning Guidance on Senate Bill 98 (SB 820) (October 9, 2020)
- EXLD Guidance - COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions 2020-21 (Aug 5, 2020)
- EXLD Guidance on Senate Bill 98 (July 20, 2020)
- Executive Order Extended Until June 30, 2020 (June 8, 2020)
- ASES Kids Code FAQ’s (June 1, 2020)
- Guidance on the Role of Expanded Learning Programs During the COVID-19 Crisis (April 30, 2020)
- EXLD Guidance – Extending Expanded Learning Grants and Attendance and Expenditure Reporting (April 27, 2020)
- EXLD Executive Guidance Order Memo (April 10, 2020)
- Executive Order Provides Flexibility to ASES and 21st CCLC Programs and Expands Access to Child Care for Essential Workers (April 4, 2020)
- EXLD Update on Grant Protection and Paying Program Staff and Partners (March 27, 2020)
The Expanded Learning Division continues to work on providing additional guidance related to expanded learning program grants. If you have any questions, please contact expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov.
Expanded Learning Programs Interactive Web Map
CAN has been working with our partners at the UC Davis Center for Regional Change (CRC) to build out an interactive web map. This application maps variables describing student and community health and need, which are summarized by various regions (including the 11 CCSESA regions and Legislative Districts) and overlaid with the locations of Expanded Learning Programs.
Meet Mizzen by Mott
As champions for children, you’re doing everything you can during this time to keep youth safe and continue to serve them. We also know you’re doing all you can to support your staff. You have risen to the challenge in every way.
In support of your efforts, we have a new resource to share with you.
Mizzen by Mott is a new app built with and for afterschool professionals to provide high-quality, engaging learning content to the afterschool field.
