The Complete Guide to California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)

What Is the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)?

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) — often called simply ELOP — is a statewide initiative launched by the California Department of Education to support schools in providing high-quality enrichment programs before and after the traditional school day, as well as during summer.

Designed for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade (TK-6) students, ELOP gives schools the resources to create engaging, safe, and inclusive learning environments beyond the classroom — with a focus on academic enrichment, social-emotional development, physical activity, and more.

Funded by the state of California, this program represents one of the largest investments in afterschool and summer learning in the nation. It’s not just about extending the school day — it’s about expanding opportunities for every child, especially those who need it most.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• Why ELOP was created and how it supports whole-child learning
• Who the program is designed to serve — and how eligibility works
• What kinds of activities, schedules, and partners qualify under ELOP
• How schools can plan, fund, and implement compliant, high-quality programming
• What to consider when partnering with organizations to deliver amazing hands-on programming.

Whether you're a school administrator, teacher, or parent volunteer, this page is your go-to resource for understanding how to make the most of California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program.

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Why Was ELOP Created?

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) was established as part of California’s broader effort to reimagine education by expanding access to high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences. Rooted in the belief that learning doesn't only happen during traditional classroom hours, the program aims to support the whole child by integrating academic support with enrichment and wellness activities.

ELOP was launched in 2021 through Assembly Bill (AB) 130, which allocated significant funding to help Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) — including school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education — build out expanded learning programs for students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade.

The program’s purpose is threefold:

1. Close opportunity gaps for underserved student populations by providing equitable access to extended learning time.
2. Support working families by offering structured and supervised care before school, after school, and during summer breaks.
3. Enhance academic and social-emotional outcomes by offering engaging, developmentally appropriate programs aligned with the school day.

This initiative aligns with California's larger educational priorities around equity, whole-child development, and community school models. Rather than viewing enrichment and care as separate from education, ELOP is an investment in integrated, year-round learning ecosystems that help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

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Who Does ELOP Serve?

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is specifically designed to serve students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade (TK–6). However, within that broad range, the program places particular emphasis on reaching students with the highest needs by directing funding and services to priority populations.

Target Student Groups

ELOP funding prioritizes unduplicated pupils, which include:

• Students from low-income families
• English learners
• Foster youth

These student groups are considered "unduplicated" because they count once toward funding, even if they qualify in more than one category. The goal is to provide equitable access to high-quality enrichment programming that supports both academic growth and social-emotional well-being.

Role of Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)

Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) — including school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education — are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing ELOP. Each LEA that receives ELOP funding must ensure that all TK–6 students have access to expanded learning opportunities, with additional focus and outreach toward unduplicated pupils.

While participation in ELOP is not mandatory for students or families, LEAs are expected to make expanded learning opportunities available to every student in grades TK–6, with priority placement and outreach efforts aimed at those with the greatest needs.

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What Qualifies as an Expanded Learning Opportunity

Not all before- or after-school activities meet the standards of California’s ELOP. To qualify for ELOP funding, programs must align with the state’s definition of “expanded learning” and meet specific design and implementation criteria.

Definition of Expanded Learning

According to the California Department of Education (CDE), expanded learning refers to learning experiences that develop the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and interests of students through hands-on, engaging learning opportunities. These experiences must occur before school, after school, intersession, or during summer and must be intentionally designed to complement (not replicate) the regular school day.

Core Characteristics of ELOP Programs

To be considered a qualifying expanded learning program under ELOP, the program must:

• Be student-centered and reflect the interests, cultures, and identities of participating students
• Provide active and engaging learning that is age-appropriate
• Support the development of the whole child, including academic support, physical activity, and social-emotional learning
• Be collaborative, involving input from students, families, educators, and community partners
• Be results-driven, with ongoing assessments for quality and impact

Examples of Qualifying Program Activities

Programs can include a broad range of offerings, as long as they are designed intentionally and meet ELOP’s guidelines. Examples include:

• Academic enrichment (e.g., literacy programs, STEM clubs, homework help)
• Visual and performing arts (e.g., painting, music, theater)
• Recreation and physical activity (e.g., sports, yoga, dance)
• Social-emotional development (e.g., mindfulness, team-building, leadership skills)
• Cultural enrichment and language programs
• Hands-on science and maker projects
• Nutrition and wellness education

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What Are the Requirements for an ELOP Program?

To maintain eligibility for ELOP funding, Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) must comply with a set of operational, instructional, and administrative requirements established by the California Department of Education. These guidelines ensure consistency, equity, and quality across all expanded learning opportunities statewide.

ELOP Funding Requirements

To qualify for ELOP funding, the overall expanded learning offering at a school site must meet minimum duration requirements:

• After school: At least three hours per day, every school day
• Intersession/summer: At least nine hours per day, for 30 non-school days

However, individual enrichment programs (such as an after-school STEM program) can still be funded through ELOP as long as they are part of a larger program that meets the required daily and annual minimums. In other words, providers offering shorter or less frequent programs can still participate in ELOP if the site’s full schedule satisfies state requirements.

These requirements are designed to ensure that students have access to consistent, high-quality learning time outside of the regular school schedule.

Student-to-Staff Ratios

Staffing is a critical component of ELOP compliance. The required ratios are:

• 1 adult per 20 students for general expanded learning programming
• Some programs may require a lower ratio, particularly if serving students with special needs or if required by local agreements or best practices

All staff must be adequately trained to support the safety, learning, and engagement of students.

Program Design Expectations

To align with the state’s vision, ELOP programs should:

• Include safe and supportive environments for all students
• Promote active and hands-on learning
• Reflect the interests and needs of the students and their families
• Coordinate closely with the regular school-day program to ensure alignment and continuity
• Prioritize equity, ensuring students with the highest needs have access to services

Nutrition Requirements

ELOP programs operating during after school, intersession, or summer must offer a nutritious snack or meal to all participating students, in accordance with federal and state nutrition standards.

Staff Qualifications and Training

While specific credentials are not required for all positions, ELOP encourages LEAs to:

• Hire staff with experience in youth development or education
• Provide ongoing training and professional development
• Ensure staff reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the communities they serve

Monitoring and Reporting

LEAs are required to maintain accurate records of attendance, program hours, staffing, and services offered. They must also:

• Submit an ELOP Plan outlining how they will meet the program requirements
• Report annually on program implementation and outcomes
• Participate in any state audits or quality assessments as required

By meeting these guidelines, LEAs help ensure that ELOP programs are not only compliant but also effective, equitable, and impactful for California’s youngest learners.

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How Is ELOP Funded and Allocated?

One of the defining features of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) is the substantial state investment behind it. California has committed ongoing annual funding to help school districts and charter schools expand learning time for TK–6 students, with a focus on those most in need of additional support.

How ELOP Is Funded

ELOP is funded through California’s state education budget, which provides ongoing funding to eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) through a formula tied to student enrollment and need.

The program was initially established in 2021–22 with over $1 billion in funding, and it continues to receive ongoing appropriations in subsequent budget years.

Funding Allocation Formula

Funding is distributed to LEAs based on two primary factors:

1. Base Amount per Unduplicated Pupil
   • LEAs receive a per-pupil amount for each unduplicated TK–6 student — meaning students who are low-income, English learners, or foster youth.
2. Minimum Funding Thresholds
   • LEAs receive a minimum of $1,000 per TK–6 unduplicated student, although the exact figure may vary year-to-year depending on the state budget and policy changes.
   • LEAs with less than 80% unduplicated pupil enrollment must provide expanded learning access to at least 50% of their TK–6 enrollment.
   • LEAs with 80% or more unduplicated pupils must offer expanded learning access to 100% of their TK–6 students.

Allowable Uses of ELOP Funds

Funds may be used for a wide range of expenses related to the design, implementation, and maintenance of expanded learning programs, including:

• Staff salaries and benefits
• Curriculum and instructional materials
• Supplies and equipment
• Facility use and maintenance
• Staff training and professional development
• Transportation services
• Nutrition services (e.g., snacks and meals)
• After-school enrichment programs

Non-Allowable Uses

While the funding is flexible, it cannot be used for:

• Services unrelated to TK–6 students
• Core school-day academic programs
• Capital improvements not directly tied to program operations

Planning and Budgeting Considerations

Each LEA must submit an ELOP Plan to the California Department of Education, describing:

• How funds will be used
• The types of programs and services offered
• Plans for serving unduplicated pupils
• How the LEA will meet all time, staffing, and quality requirements

The plan must be developed in consultation with community stakeholders, including families, teachers, and potential program partners.

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What Are the Benefits of ELOP for Students and Families?

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is more than just a way to extend the school day — it’s a strategic investment in the well-being and development of California’s youngest learners. By providing safe, engaging, and consistent programming beyond regular school hours, ELOP offers a range of benefits for both students and their families.

Academic Support and Enrichment

ELOP programs reinforce classroom learning while also giving students opportunities to explore STEM, literacy, the arts, and hands-on projects in a more relaxed, engaging setting. Whether through tutoring, small-group instruction, or project-based learning, students receive individualized support that can strengthen their understanding of key concepts and build their confidence.

Social-Emotional Development

One of the core goals of ELOP is to support the whole child. Through team-based activities, mentorship, and emotional check-ins, students develop critical social-emotional skills such as:

• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Teamwork
• Conflict resolution
• Resilience

These programs create spaces where students feel safe, seen, and supported, which can positively impact their behavior, mental health, and academic engagement.

Physical Activity and Wellness

ELOP encourages movement and play, recognizing the importance of physical health in overall child development. Many programs include daily exercise, sports, dance, or structured games, which help students:

• Develop motor skills
• Improve focus
• Reduce stress
• Build healthy habits

In addition, many programs incorporate nutrition education and serve healthy snacks or meals, ensuring that students’ basic needs are met.

Safe and Structured Environment for Families

For working families, ELOP offers a reliable, affordable option for before-school, after-school, and summer care. This reduces the burden on caregivers to find supervision and enrichment outside of school hours and allows parents to work with peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe, structured, and enriching environment.

Closing Opportunity Gaps

Because ELOP prioritizes low-income students, English learners, and foster youth, it plays a critical role in reducing disparities in access to learning and enrichment. These programs are designed to meet students where they are and provide equitable pathways to academic and personal growth.

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How Can Schools Partner with Community-Based Organizations in ELOP?

A key feature of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is its collaborative model. The California Department of Education encourages Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to partner with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to design and deliver high-quality expanded learning programs.

These partnerships bring fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and culturally relevant programming into schools — helping ensure that ELOP offerings are both diverse and engaging for students.

The Role of CBOs in ELOP

Community-Based Organizations can:

• Provide specialized programming in areas such as STEM, the arts, physical activity, and cultural enrichment
• Recruit and train staff experienced in youth development and after-school instruction
• Offer flexible, scalable program models that complement school-day learning
• Engage families and the broader community in meaningful ways

By working with trusted local organizations, schools can create programs that reflect the interests, languages, and cultures of the communities they serve.

Benefits of Partnering With CBOs

• Expanded capacity: CBOs help schools scale their offerings without overextending internal staff
• Increased program quality: Many CBOs specialize in enrichment and out-of-school learning
• Deeper community engagement: Partnerships help build trust and buy-in from families
• Diverse programming: From robotics and coding to music and mindfulness, CBOs add variety

What Makes a Successful Partnership

Strong partnerships between schools and providers are built on:

• Clear communication and expectations
• Shared goals and alignment with ELOP requirements
• Joint planning and professional development
• Ongoing feedback and quality improvement

It’s essential that CBOs understand the compliance requirements associated with ELOP funding (e.g., staff ratios, operating hours, nutrition, safety) and work closely with school leadership to meet them.

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What Are the Best Practices for Implementing an ELOP Program?

While the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program provides a flexible framework for enrichment, its success depends on effective planning, collaboration, and execution. Whether you're a school administrator launching your first ELOP initiative or a seasoned provider expanding existing programs, the following best practices can help ensure your implementation is both compliant and impactful.

1. Align With School-Day Goals

Successful ELOP programs are aligned with the regular instructional day — not separate from it. Coordination between school-day teachers and expanded learning staff can enhance academic continuity, support shared behavioral expectations, and reinforce learning goals.

Tips:

• Share student learning objectives across teams
• Coordinate tutoring or homework help with classroom topics
• Use similar behavior management strategies

2. Prioritize Equity and Inclusion

ELOP is designed to serve students who may face barriers to opportunity. Program design should actively remove access barriers and promote participation among unduplicated pupils, including:

• Offering multilingual communication with families
• Considering transportation needs
• Designing culturally responsive programming

3. Recruit and Train High-Quality Staff

Staff are the backbone of any ELOP program. Recruit individuals with youth development experience and provide ongoing training on topics like:

• Child development
• Trauma-informed practices
• Culturally relevant pedagogy
• Behavior management
• Safety and compliance protocols

Investing in staff development directly improves program quality and student experience.

4. Involve Families and the Community

Family engagement improves student participation and helps programs stay connected to local needs. Invite families to:

• Participate in program planning and feedback
• Attend student showcases or performances
• Serve as volunteers or advisors

When families feel ownership, programs become stronger and more sustainable.

5. Focus on Program Design and Student Choice

Strong ELOP programs are intentional, student-centered, and engaging. Provide a mix of structured and flexible activities that support different interests and learning styles.

Examples:

• Science experiments and maker spaces
• Creative writing or theater groups
• Physical challenges or team sports
• Quiet spaces for reading or mindfulness

Whenever possible, give students a voice in choosing activities — it boosts engagement and ownership.

6. Monitor Quality and Adapt

Use data to track attendance, engagement, and outcomes — and be ready to adjust as needed. Consider:

• Student and family surveys
• Staff reflection sessions
• Site visits or informal observations
• Goal setting and action plans for improvement

High-quality programs are not static — they evolve with input from students, families, and staff.

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What Are Common ELOP Challenges and How Can Schools Overcome Them?

Implementing a successful Expanded Learning Opportunities Program can be complex. While the promise of additional learning time is powerful, schools and providers often face real-world challenges in areas like staffing, budgeting, and student participation. The good news is that many of these obstacles can be anticipated and addressed with strategic planning and strong partnerships.

1. Staffing Shortages

Challenge: Hiring and retaining qualified staff for before- and after-school programs, especially when the required hours may be limited or outside traditional work schedules.

Solutions:

• Partner with community-based organizations that have trained enrichment staff
• Offer competitive hourly wages or stipends
• Create pipelines from local colleges or credential programs
• Invest in professional development and career growth opportunities to improve retention

2. Low Student Attendance or Engagement

Challenge: Some families may be unaware of ELOP, unable to commit to daily attendance, or unsure of the program’s value.

Solutions:

• Conduct targeted outreach to families, especially those with unduplicated pupils
• Use family liaisons, bilingual communication, and culturally relevant messaging
• Offer engaging, student-led programming that gives kids a reason to show up
• Build attendance incentives (e.g., showcase events, recognition)

3. Scheduling and Coordination

Challenge: Coordinating space, staff, and resources across regular school hours, expanded learning, and other programs can be logistically difficult.

Solutions:

• Include expanded learning teams in broader school planning efforts
• Designate a site coordinator to manage logistics and scheduling
• Use shared calendars and regular check-ins with school-day staff

4. Budgeting and Sustainability

Challenge: Understanding allowable uses of ELOP funds and planning for year-over-year sustainability.

Solutions:

• Work closely with district fiscal teams or consultants familiar with state programs
• Track expenses carefully and review CDE guidance on allowable costs
• Blend ELOP funds with other grants (e.g., ASES, 21st CCLC) where appropriate
• Start with pilot programs and scale gradually to match funding

5. Program Quality and Compliance

Challenge: Meeting all state-mandated requirements — including hours, staff ratios, meals, and data reporting — while still delivering high-quality programming.

Solutions:

• Develop internal checklists and quality standards aligned with CDE requirements
• Train site leads on compliance and safety protocols
• Schedule regular internal reviews and audits
• Use student voice and family feedback to inform improvements

By proactively addressing these challenges, schools and providers can build sustainable ELOP models that not only meet compliance standards but also deliver real value to students and families.

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What Planning Tools and Resources Are Available for ELOP?

Planning and maintaining a high-quality Expanded Learning Opportunities Program requires more than good intentions — it takes clear strategy, the right tools, and access to reliable guidance. Fortunately, the California Department of Education (CDE), along with various partners and education agencies, offers a wide range of resources to support Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and their partners.

CDE ELOP Planning Template

All LEAs receiving ELOP funding are required to complete and submit an ELOP Plan. This template includes prompts to address:

• Program goals and vision
• Student needs and demographics
• Program structure and daily schedule
• Partnerships with community-based organizations
• Staffing and professional development
• Family engagement strategies
• Plans for continuous quality improvement

The template is available on the California Department of Education website and should be completed in consultation with key stakeholders.

Budgeting and Fiscal Tools

Understanding allowable costs and planning expenditures can be challenging. The following tools are helpful:

• Sample ELOP budgets from county offices of education
• Funding calculators based on TK–6 enrollment and unduplicated pupil counts
• State guidance on expenditure timelines and restrictions

LEAs should also coordinate with their business offices and fiscal teams to track spending in alignment with state requirements.

Program Design Frameworks

Organizations such as the Partnership for Children & Youth and California Afterschool Network provide resources and best practices on:

• Developing student-centered program models
• Integrating social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Aligning expanded learning with the school day
• Designing culturally responsive activities

These resources help ensure programs are not only compliant, but also meaningful, inclusive, and engaging.

Staff Training Resources

High-quality programming depends on well-prepared staff. LEAs and partners can access:

• Online professional development modules
• Youth development training curricula
• State and regional workshops hosted by education service providers
• Training on trauma-informed care, behavior management, and enrichment instruction

Many of these resources are free or subsidized for public programs.

Communication and Outreach Materials

To help engage families and community members, there are templates and tools for:

• Program flyers and sign-up forms
• Multilingual family letters
• Social media graphics and announcements
• Family surveys for program feedback

Clear, accessible communication is essential for strong participation.

Where to Find These Resources

Start with these key links:

• CDE ELO-P Overview
• CDE ELO-P Planning Template (DOC)

These tools can support every phase of your program — from initial planning to ongoing refinement.

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How Schools Can Use ELOP Funding to Support STEM Education

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) offers schools and districts across California a unique opportunity to expand access to high-quality, engaging educational experiences beyond the traditional school day. One of the most impactful ways schools can use ELOP funds is to invest in STEM enrichment — programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and equip students with real-world problem-solving skills.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs align naturally with ELOP’s focus on hands-on, student-centered learning. Whether during after-school hours or summer sessions, well-designed STEM enrichment can help students:

• Deepen their understanding of core academic concepts
• Explore new areas of interest through experimentation and discovery
• Build critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity skills
• Connect classroom learning to real-world applications

For schools, STEM programs also offer a way to support working families, engage underrepresented students in science and engineering fields, and strengthen connections between school and community.

What to Look for in a STEM Program

When selecting a STEM provider or building in-house programming, schools should look for:

• NGSS-aligned curriculum that complements the school day
• Hands-on, project-based activities that promote inquiry and exploration
• Age-appropriate design for TK–6 grade students
• Qualified, trained educators with experience in youth engagement
• Built-in flexibility to fit into ELOP schedules and meet state compliance

Strong STEM programs don't just teach content — they create environments where students can think like scientists and engineers, ask their own questions, and discover through doing.

How We Can Help

At All Things Science, we specialize in bringing high-quality STEM programming directly into ELOP settings. Our weekly, on-site programs are designed to meet ELOP requirements while giving students hands-on access to subjects like rocketry, robotics, 3D printing, chemistry, and more.

Each of our partnerships includes:

• A trained STEM educator on-site every week
• 12 NGSS-aligned program options and over 120 lessons
• All materials and equipment provided
• Curriculum that complements school-day instruction
• Family engagement events

We make implementation easy for school staff by handling curriculum, supplies, and instruction — so you can focus on supporting your community and meeting ELOP goals.

If you're building or expanding your ELOP offerings and want to include meaningful STEM enrichment, All Things Science is here to help.

Interested in bringing STEM to your school’s ELOP program? Learn how All Things Science is helping schools across California by strengthening ELOP programs with engaging, weekly STEM programs for students.

Bring All Things Science to your school →

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FAQs About ELOP

1. Who is eligible to participate in ELOP programs?

ELOP serves all TK–6th grade students in participating public school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education. However, the program prioritizes unduplicated pupils—students who are low-income, English learners, or foster youth. Districts with 80% or more unduplicated pupils must offer expanded learning to all TK–6 students.

2. Is participation in ELOP required for families?

No. ELOP is voluntary. While districts are required to offer programming that meets state standards, families can choose whether or not to enroll their children.

3. Can ELOP funding be used for STEM enrichment programs?

Yes, it can. ELOP funds can support STEM enrichment programs (like weekly robotics classes), as long as they are part of a larger program that meets the overall state requirements:

• 3 hours per school day for every instructional day
• 9 hours per day for 30 non-school days (summer/intersession)

These enrichment programs complement daily offerings and add valuable diversity to what students experience.

4. What types of activities qualify as “expanded learning”?

Qualifying programs must support the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of students. Examples include:

• STEM enrichment programs (like robotics, 3d printing, coding, rocketry, and other STEM classes)
• Homework help and academic tutoring
• Arts, music, and drama
• Physical activity and recreation
• Social-emotional learning and team building
• Cultural and language-based enrichment
• Nutrition and wellness education

5. What are the staffing requirements for ELOP programs?

LEAs must maintain a maximum staff-to-student ratio of 1:20. While credentials aren't required for all positions, staff must be trained and qualified to deliver safe, developmentally appropriate programming. Partner organizations like All Things Science provide experienced, trained STEM educators to meet this requirement.

6. Are meals or snacks provided during ELOP?

Yes. Programs must offer a nutritious snack or meal during both after-school and intersession/summer programming, following CDE and USDA nutrition guidelines.

7. Can community organizations lead ELOP programs?

Yes. Schools are encouraged to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to offer diverse, high-quality programming. Providers like All Things Science deliver NGSS-aligned, hands-on STEM programs that meet ELOP requirements and complement school-day learning.

8. How can a school or district partner with a after school provider?

Schools can reach out directly to us to:

• Explore available STEM programs
• Schedule weekly after-school or summer sessions
• Align with their existing ELOP Plan
• Ensure all compliance, staffing, and reporting requirements are met

All Things Science provides everything (curriculum, supplies, and an on-site STEM instructor) to make implementation simple and effective.

9. Do families have to pay for ELOP programs?

No. ELOP programs are publicly funded through the state’s education budget and are free to participating families.