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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.
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.
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.