Program Information

Each Expanded Learning Program is tailored to the needs of its school site and students while providing the same core daily experiences:

• Safe Check-In: Students report directly to the Expanded Learning Program after school dismissal and check in with staff.
• Homework and Academic Support: Students receive at least 45 minutes of dedicated homework time, with assistance and guidance available from program staff.
• Physical Activity: Students participate in 45 to 60 minutes of structured physical activity designed to promote fitness, coordination, teamwork, and positive relationships.
• Afternoon Snack: Students are offered a light snack to support their health and well-being.
• Enrichment: Students participate in at least 45 minutes of hands-on enrichment activities, which may include STEAM, literacy, and art.

Throughout the day, students are supported in developing creativity, communication, collaboration, critical-thinking skills, and positive social-emotional growth within a safe and welcoming environment.

Regular attendance and full participation are important to the success of the Expanded Learning Program. Students are required to attend each school day from school dismissal until 6:00 PM.

We recognize that families may occasionally need to pick up their student early. Students may be released after participating for at least 90 minutes when a family has a transportation or safety need. Release before the 90-minute minimum may be approved for the following reasons:

• ER-1: Participation in a parallel program, such as sports, dance, or religious education.
• ER-2: A documented medical, dental, or counseling appointment. A note from the provider is required.
• ER-3: A family obligation, custodial matter, or family emergency. Supporting documentation may be required when applicable.
• ER-4: The student is sent home from the program due to an injury, illness, or behavioral concern, with parent or guardian notification.
• ER-5: A safety or transportation need after the student has attended for at least 90 minutes, as assessed by the Site Lead or ELP Director.

Students must be signed out by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult who is at least 18 years old and listed in the student’s enrollment information and electronic sign-out system. Authorized adults must be prepared to provide identification, use their individually assigned PIN, and provide a reason for early release.

Students are expected to maintain consistent attendance. Three or more unexcused or unverified absences will result in removal from the program. Students must also be picked up by 6:00 PM and will be removed from the program following a third late pickup.

At the LUSD Expanded Learning Program, we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants. To address behavioral issues, we follow a structured step process that includes interventions and supports before considering disciplinary actions. Our goal is to help students understand and learn from their behavior while ensuring a positive experience for all.

Step 1: Initial Intervention and Support

We initiate our approach to addressing behavioral issues by tailoring various supportive strategies to meet the unique needs of our students. Our dedicated staff is dedicated to creating a safe and respectful environment. When a behavioral issue arises, we respond by implementing a range of techniques. These strategies encompass visual schedules, rewards, one-on-one support, alternative seating arrangements, redirection, structured breaks, and other personalized approaches designed to address the specific challenges faced by each student.

 Step 2: Actions Taken to Address Behavior

If the initial interventions do not yield the desired results, our staff takes additional steps to address behavior effectively. This involves providing instruction to teach or reteach correct behavior and, in some cases, implementing restorative solutions. Temporary adjustments, such as the temporary loss of participation in specific activities, may be considered as deemed appropriate. Communication plays a vital role in this process, with staff engaging in conferences with students to facilitate problem-solving and address the behavioral concerns. Parents or guardians are also contacted to discuss the situation and seek their input, fostering a collaborative approach to resolving issues.

Step 3: Discipline Considerations and Referral System

In situations where repeated interventions and actions fail to produce the desired improvements in behavior, we carefully assess more serious consequences, including the possibility of removing a student from the Expanded Learning Program. The specific actions taken are determined by evaluating the nature and severity of the behavior. Importantly, these decisions are communicated transparently and clearly to both the student and their parents or guardians. The ultimate decision regarding removal from the program is made jointly by the Director of Expanded Learning Programs and the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, always with a focus on the overall well-being and safety of all program participants.

Funding Sources

The Expanded Learning Programs at Glenwood Elementary, Linden Elementary, Waverly Elementary, and Waterloo Middle School are supported by two state funding sources: the After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P). These funding sources work together to support one comprehensive Expanded Learning Program.

The ASES Program was established through the 2002 voter-approved initiative, Proposition 49, which amended California Education Code Section 8482. ASES funding supports local after-school education and enrichment programs that provide students with academic support and safe, constructive learning opportunities outside the regular school day.

ELO-P funding supports in-person after-school and summer programming. Both funding sources must be used for eligible Expanded Learning services and activities that directly support students during program hours.

Program Access

The program serves students in TK through eighth grade who attend Glenwood Elementary, Linden Elementary, Waverly Elementary, or Waterloo Middle School. Families must complete and submit the required registration materials; however, submitting a registration packet does not guarantee immediate enrollment. Placement is based on available space, staffing, and program capacity.

When a program reaches capacity, students are placed on a waitlist based on the date and time their completed registration is received. Enrollment priorities are applied in accordance with state funding requirements and district procedures.

Additional information regarding ELO-P implementation, services, and planned expenditures is available in the LUSD Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Plan.