Fireside Chats
Fireside Chats
The California AfterSchool Network hosts interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division, to better help the field navigate the current state of Expanded Learning, including what guidance means for your programs. These chats include policy updates as well as interviews with partners elevating current topics and promising practices.
If you are interested in developing your own virtual fireside chats check out our post: Communicating During Crisis – Video “Fireside Chats”
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:
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.
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:
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
First Chat of 2021: Urgent Budget and Legislation Updates
Fireside Chat: January 28, 2021
Join us for our 22nd and first fireside chat of 2021. 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 and Jen Dietrich from the Partnership for Children and Youth to discuss budget and legislation updates that impact California’s Expanded Learning programs. Below are opportunities outlined during the chat.
Final Chat of 2020: Looking Back in Service of Looking Forward
Fireside Chat: December 14, 2020
Join us for our 21st and final fireside chat of 2020. In this chat, Tiffany Gipson and Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network are joined by Michael Funk from the Expanded Learning Division at the California Department of Education to reflect back on 2020 in service of looking forward. 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us but has also presented many moments for learning, opportunity, and hope. Join us as we discuss this journey and how we might move forward differently in 2021.
Update on Waivers and Interview with BACR
Fireside Chat: November 16, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting near weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD).
The 20th Fireside Chat includes some minor updates on the Department of Social Services waiver requirements. We are also excited to be joined by Mariana Lopez Quintanilla, Program Director – Marin County, for Bay Area Community Resources (BACR). Mariana shares with us how BACR has been supporting their students during COVID, in particular with Learning Hubs and Hybrid Learning.
Waiver Guidance (As of October 20, 2020)
The California Department of Education, Expanded Learning
Division in collaboration with the California Department of
Social Services has updated guidance for those expanded learning
programs that operate more than 60 hours or for students that
attend for more than 30 hours.
- Please see the guidance located at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ex/ellicensewaive.asp.
- If you have any questions about this information please contact your Regional Consultant. The regional contact information may be found at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ex/exldcontacts.asp.
Update on SB820 and Interview with BGCGG
Fireside Chat: September 23, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting near weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD).
The 18th Fireside Chat includes some updates on the signing of SB82 and the Department of Social Services waiver requirements, and how each of these impact Expanded Learning Programs. We are also excited to be joined by the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove as they discuss their clubs work on equity and racial justice and how they provide services that support whole child and community health and wellness during these challenging times:
- Mark Surmanian
- Christina Sepulveda
- Justin Kalolo
Interview with Fontana USD – Serving Students In Person
Fireside Chat: September 8, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting near weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD).
In the 17th Fireside Chat we are excited to be joined by Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) an ASES grantee and their sub-grantee, the City of Fontana:
- Yubleni Cazares, Project Manager, ASES Program, FUSD
- Sergio Barragan, Community Services Coordinator, City of Fontana
- Cleo Upshaw, Site Coordinator, City of Fontana
Yubleni, Sergio, and Cleo discuss with us how they serve the needs of their community through their in-person services for students.
Update on CDSS, CDPH Guidance, Interview with OUSD
Fireside Chat: Aug 27, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting near weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD).
In the 16th Fireside Chat we discuss the recently released guidance and FAQs from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
This week we are also excited to be joined by Curtiss Sarikey, Chief of Staff at Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and Martha Pena, Afterschool Programs Coordinator for OUSD. Curtiss and Martha go deep into the authentic partnerships with the school day and out out of school programs within the district to integrate their programs to serve youth in their district with a whole child framework and lens.
Update on CDE EXLD FAQs & Interview with Woodcraft Rangers
Fireside Chat: Aug 10, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD).
In the 15th Fireside Chat we discuss the recently posted FAQs from the EXLD in light of the release of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Pandemic Plan for Learning and Safe Schools.
This week we are also excited to be joined by the team at Woodcraft Rangers. We are joined by Julee Brooks – Chief Executive Officer, Danny Salas – Director of Expanded Learning, and Helen Santos – Director of Digital Learning. They share with us how they have built connections and engagement with family, their ever-improving quality virtual engagement opportunities with students, and how they are supporting staff while addressing health and safety issues. Learn more about Woodcraft Rangers: https://woodcraftrangers.org
Update on Recent Governor Guidance & Interview with EDMO on Virtual Learning
Fireside Chat: July 23, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this 14th Fireside Chat Michael discusses the most recently approved guidance from the CDE and Department of Finance in light of the release of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Pandemic Plan for Learning and Safe Schools last Friday. Written guidance will be forthcoming.
This week we are also excited to be joined by the wonderful co-founders of Edventure More (also known as EDMO) – Eduardo Caballero, Co-Founder & Executive Director and Sharon Mor, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer. They share with us how they quickly pivoted to providing quality virtual opportunities, their emphasis on equity (and expanding access to their programs), student engagement strategies, and more. Learn more about EDMO: https://campedmo.org
Expanded Learning This Fall – Interview with Sacramento Partners
Fireside Chat: July 14, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this 13th Fireside Chat we are excited to be joined by some of our outstanding partners here in Sacramento – Jason Smith and Monik Vega from Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center and Dr. Gema Godina-Martinez, Principal for Washington Elementary School. This week, and over the coming weeks, we will be using this platform to highlight programs that are engaging and leading in conversations around what school and Expanded Learning look like this Fall and over the next school year, and how they serve their students and communities.
Interview with Michael Funk, CA Budget Protects Afterschool
Fireside Chat: June 30, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this 12th fireside chat we briefly discuss updates on the signed CA Budget and Budget Trailer Bill Language. We will continue to dive deeper into these issues over the coming weeks. See CAN’s most recent newsletter for more details.
Updates on the CA Budget, the Executive Order Extension, and Reopening of Schools
Fireside Chat: June 16, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this 11th fireside chat we discuss updates on the CA Budget, including potential Budget Trailer Bill Language, the extension of the Governor’s Executive Order impacting Expanded Learning programs, and CDE Guidance on the Reopening of Schools, including the impacts on Expanded Learning. We will continue to dive deeper into these issues over the coming weeks.
Links to documents referenced during the video:
Think Together On Black Lives Matter and Expanded Learning as Social Justice Work
Fireside Chat: June 3, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interviews with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this tenth interview, we are joined by Tommy Brewer, Cindy Martinez, and Angelina Hernadez with Think Together. The conversation is centered on the events of the last week, Expanded Learning as a form of Social Justice/Social Change work, and critical advocacy efforts to support this work. A special thank you to all of our guests for showing up raw, unscripted, and human during these challenging times.
You can read CAN’s full statement in solidarity of Black Lives here.
Interview with Sweetwater Union High School District
Fireside Chat: May 27, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly interview with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this ninth interview, we are joined by Esther Parrenas, Site Coordinator for Southwest Middle School and Cesar Fernandez with Sweetwater Union School District to share how they have been engaging with their students and families during the COVID-19 school closures, as well as how they are engaged in the planning for re-opening of schools.
CA3 on the Governor’s Proposed Budget
Fireside Chat: May 21, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting weekly intervieww with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
In this eighth interview we are joined by Jen Dietrich from California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance, also known as CA3, to talk about the Governor’s May Revise Budget that was released last Thursday and the potential impacts for Expanded Learning in California. We are also joined by CA3 members Malia Villarreal and Mike Snell from the California Teaching Fellows Foundation to speak to the potential budget impacts at a programmatic level.
Everyone can take action to protect our programs: Text “Afterschool” to 52886
For more details visit www.saveafterschool.com.
Interview with Michael Funk on Expanded Learning Services Offered During COVID-19
Fireside Chat: May 13, 2020
The California AfterSchool Network is hosting nearly weekly interview with Michael Funk, Division Director for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division.
This seventh interview provides a quick update on the services being provided by the Expanded Learning field during COVID-19 and the field survey to collect this data.
The Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) is surveying all grantees to discover what services are being offered to students and families during the period of school closures due to COVID-19. The EXLD would also like to understand how expanded learning programs will be engaged with students and families when campuses reopen.
This survey should be completed by organizational staff that are familiar with the funding streams and services provided.
The survey is fairly brief and can be found here.
CA FY 2024-25 Budget Updates & Impacts on Expanded Learning
Fireside Chat: July 12, 2024
Join us for the 62nd Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). They provide updates on the recently adopted FY 24-25 budget including the K-12 Education Trailer Bill and their impacts on Expanded Learning, as well as Legislative Updates related to Expanded Learning.
Resources
Policy Updates and Conversation with Vallejo Expanded Learning & Lead by Learning
Fireside Chat: May 30, 2024
Join us for the 61st Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). They provide updates on the Governor’s recently released May Revision of the budget for FY 24-25, and chat with Vallejo Expanded Learning and one of their partners Lead by Learning to learn more about their culture of supporting adult learners and building high-quality programs. Guests include:
Budget Updates Education Omnibus Trailer Bill
Fireside Chat: February 13, 2024
Join us for the 60th Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). They provide updates on the recently released Education Omnibus Trailer Bill and in particular the proposal around Attendance Recovery.
Resources
Budget Updates & Highlighting Partnerships to Support Expanded Learning
Fireside Chat: January 23, 2024
Join us for Fireside Chat #59!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD).
They provide updates on the Governor’s recently released, proposed budget for FY 24-25, and chat with district leaders across the state and one of their partners that support them to provide unique, high-quality opportunities for students, including:
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #4
Fireside Chat: December 5, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #58!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat wraps up a series of chats with the 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #3
Fireside Chat: November 27, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #57!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat continues a series of chats with 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #2
Fireside Chat: November 16, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #56!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat continues a series of chats with 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #1
Fireside Chat: November 8, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #55!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat kicks off a series of chats with 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:
Policy Updates & Interview with Fresno USD
Fireside Chat: Sept 14, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #54!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD), cover a few key policy updates and are joined by special guests from Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) to discuss how they have been leveraging ELO-P dollars to partner with their community, ensuring all of their students have equitable access to high-quality Expanded Learning opportunities:
Update on ELO-P & Licensing Requirements
Fireside Chat: July 31, 2023
Join us for our Fireside Chat #53!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD), are joined by special guests to clarify Licensing Requirements about ELO-P and promising practices between Districts and their partners:
Partnerships to Support Enrollment for Expanded Learning Programs
Fireside Chat: April 12, 2023
Join us for our Fireside Chat #52!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD) and Expanded Learning folks from Fresno and Madera Unified and a crucial partner from InPlay:
Discussion with Siskiyou County Expanded Learning
Fireside Chat: March 24, 2023
Join us for our 51st Fireside Chat.
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk and Sterling Williams of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD) and Expanded Learning folks from Siskiyou County including:
ELO-P Updates, Budget News, LAO Recommendations, & FAQ’s
Fireside Chat: February 9, 2023
Join us for our 50th Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk and Sterling Williams of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). In this chat Michael, Sterling, and Heather discuss the latest updates on ELO-P!
Resources
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #3
Fireside Chat: December 13, 2022
Join us for Fireside Chat #49!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat continues a series of chats with California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this inspirational chat we are joined by:
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #2
Fireside Chat: December 6, 2022
Join us for Fireside Chat #48!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat continues a series of chats with California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this inspirational chat we are joined by:
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #1
Fireside Chat: November 29, 2022
Join us for Fireside Chat #47!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat kicks off a series of chats with California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat we are joined by:
Interview with SFUSD, DCYF, and Springboard Collaborative
Fireside Chat: September 26, 2022
Join us for our 46th Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD) and special guests as they explore a literacy partnership in OST:
ELO-P Interview with Elevo and Palmdale SD
Fireside Chat: August 29, 2022
Join us for our 45th Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD) and special guests:
ELO-P Interview with Region 1, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
Fireside Chat: July 25, 2022
Join us for our 44th Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD) and two special guests from Region 1:
- Melea Meyer, Region 1 STEAM Hub/ SSEL County Lead, Continuous Improvement: Innovation and Development
- Michelle Edwards-Heery, Executive Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
This chat includes a quick update on the ELO-P apportionment rates for fiscal year 2022-23. We also dive into what LEA and CBO (community based organization) partnership can look like to support ELO-P implementation in a wide range of settings.
Budget is Signed! and Other Leg Updates
Fireside Chat: July 1, 2022
Join us for our 43rd Fireside Chat! In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD),.
The 22-23 budget has been signed! Hear the latest on what it means for the Expanded Learning in California. We also cover the latest on two pieces of legislation related to our Expanded Learning programs.
Access Budget and Legislation Information referenced below: