The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) provides funding for afterschool and summer school enrichment programs for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.

"Expanded learning” means before school, after school, summer, or intersession learning programs that focus on developing the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and interests of pupils through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.

It is the intent of the Legislature that expanded learning programs are pupil-centered, results driven, include community partners, and complement, but do not replicate, learning activities in the regular school day and school year. 

Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Overview Board Meeting Presentation - PDF

The Orange Unified School District After School Education and Safety (ASES) program is a collaborative effort between several stakeholders to provide a safe and flourishing academic after school experience. The program is offered free of charge to families as costs are made available by the California Department of Education’s After School Education and Safety Grant. 

It is the intent of the ASES program legislation to encourage  school districts to provide safe and educationally enriching alternatives for children and youth during non-school hours.  Specifically, school sites are funded to provide an after school program for at-risk and low performing students at Title I schools. OUSD operates the ASES programs in partnership with Camp Fire Orange County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, andYMCA of Orange.

The ASES programs are open to all students enrolled at each participating school during the regular school day subject to program capacity in grades Kindergarten  through 8th grade. Students are served a nutritious snack that conforms to the Nutritional Standards established by the standards identified in Education Code Section 49430. 

The ASES program provides participants with an educational and literacy component as well as an enrichment component; including homework assistance, hands on learning, and recreational activities. Students are also exposed to the worlds of music, theater, art, science, and life skills. 

Centers for Afterschool, Recreation, Enrichment, and Expanded Learning Programs.

CARES is a parent-pay program that provides a safe, expanded learning environment that supports and supplements the school day, develops students' social-emotional skills, and enriches their opportunity to absorb the world around them. CARES is available before and after school and offers seasonal camps when schools are not in session.

ELO-P and ASES After School Expanded Learning

How to Apply: fill out an application with either the ASES or ELO-P site coordinator.  Our programs are administered by Action Youth America, Camp Fire, Boys and Girls, Club and YMCA. 

Each site offers expanded learning tailored to its signature practice and interests of its students.  New clubs and opportunities are continuously added on a rotational basis throughout the school year and summer. 

For questions please reach out to the Expanded Learning Program team at daisy.rangel@orangeusd.org.

CARES Before & After School Expanded Learning:

To enroll for CARES, please visit their website at https://www.orangeusd.org/cares or call (714) 626-5360.

In accordance with the California Education Code Section 8483(1)(a)(1) that provides funding for the Orange Unified After School Education and Safety (A.S.E.S.), S.T.A.R. program, the following regulations regarding attendance are required. It is the intent of the California Legislature that students participate in the full day of the program every day to accomplish program goals. 

Please Note: Priority enrollment in the after school ASES program. will be given to students who will utilize the program, full day, every day.  FIVE non-compliance infractions related to the minimum attendance requirements will result in disenrollment from the ASES S.T.A.R. Program. 

Afterschool Daily Minimum Attendance Requirements 
Students MUST remain in the ASES program until the time indicated on their early release form to be eligible for the After School Expanded Learning Program.  

Early Release forms are available for families that need pick up before the program dismissal three hours after the conclusion of school until 6:00pm. 

Early Release Forms - After School Program 

• Please see your site coordinator for the Early Release Form 

• Please complete 1 Early Release form per child if requesting to pick up before program closing at 6:00pm. 

ELO-P Guidelines - Before/After School Program 

• Attendance in Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELO-P) offerings is flexible and based upon the needs of the student. 

• Students are free to participate in all activities offered at the site though some may be age appropriate and priority enrollment is given to our Unduplicated Pupil Population. 

• ELO-P closes no sooner than 9 hours after the start of the ELO-P Before School Program.  For example, if the ELO-P before school program starts at 7AM, ELOP may close at 4PM. 

• Please check with your site coordinator to see what time ELO-P activities conclude on a given day.

• For those students enrolled in ELO-P clubs or activities we ask that they not be picked up until the conclusion unless an emergency occurs.  Students will be released to parents after each break. 

Questions: Please contact Margarita Hernandez at margarita.hernandez@orangeusd.org.