Understanding State and Federal Regulations for Afterschool Programs

The trickiest part about dealing with state and federal regulations for afterschool programs is that it's hard to know what you don't know. Compliance and regulations can often feel daunting, but having a clear understanding of the major pieces and how they apply can help you feel more at ease and more confident. This knowledge both helps in creating a great program but also ensures you're able to get the funding you need and can stay compliant to keep that funding.

Key Federal Funding Sources

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC)

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program is the only federal funding source that's just for afterschool programs. It gives out over $1 billion each year to support community learning centers. These centers offer all kinds of academic help, like tutoring and homework assistance, plus activities in music, arts, sports, and culture. State Education Agencies (SEAs) get the grants first, then give the money to organizations that qualify.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps low-income families pay for childcare and funds state efforts to improve childcare quality. Afterschool programs can get CCDF funds by meeting certain requirements, like training staff or improving facilities. This can help you make your program better and offer more services.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides financial support to low-income families and can also help fund afterschool programs that fit with TANF's goals. States can use up to 30% of their TANF money for the CCDF, which can then be used to expand and improve out-of-school time programs.

Federal Food and Nutrition Programs

Afterschool programs can get help throughout the school year from Federal Food and Nutrition Programs like the National School Lunch Program: Afternoon Snacks, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the School Breakfast Program. Getting reimbursed for food costs means you can use that money for other parts of your program instead.

Understanding State-Specific Regulations

While federal programs offer a lot of support, state regulations are also really important for running and funding afterschool programs. For example, California's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) provides significant funding for afterschool and summer programs for kids from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. California's expanded learning program for early education is just one example, however, and knowing what your state offers, requires, and prioritizes can help you follow all the rules and get the most grant funding possible.

Ensuring Compliance and Quality

Safety and Staffing Regulations

Compliance with safety and staffing regulations is incredibly important for keeping your program running and keeping students safe. Adhering to safety standards protects students and reduces your risk of legal problems. Being properly staffed ensures proper supervision and instruction for the kids, creating a safe and enriching environment for students and is a big part of compliance.

Evaluation and Reporting

Regular evaluation and reporting are important for keeping your funding and showing that your program is effective. Federal and state funders want to see how you're using their money. Collecting accurate data and being transparent in your reporting builds trust with stakeholders and helps you identify areas where you can improve, which can lead to more funding opportunities in the future.

Resources and Support

To help you navigate all these regulations, check out these helpful resources:

• Afterschool Alliance
• National AfterSchool Association
• U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
• National Conference of State Legislatures Afterschool Policy

‍

These resources provide up-to-date information on policies, compliance requirements, and best practices, helping you make informed decisions and run your program more effectively.

How Attendly Can Help

At Attendly, we know managing afterschool programs can be challenging. Our After School Program Management Software is designed to make compliance easier, simplify attendance tracking, and improve program management. By automating routine tasks and providing powerful reporting tools, Attendly helps your program meet all regulatory requirements without the hassle, so you can focus on what really matters—providing great services to your students.

Key Features:

• Attendance Tracking & Reporting: Digital check-in/out, automated data reconciliation, and instant alerts.
• Integration with Aeries SIS: Easily sync data with your existing student information system.
• Multi-Language Support: Offer registration and communication in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more.
• Program Management: Easily manage multiple programs and sites.
• Compliance and Reporting: Generate the reports you need for ELO-P, ASES, and 21CCLC funding compliance.

See how Attendly can improve your afterschool program management by requesting a demo today.

Key Takeaways

Understanding and effectively dealing with state and federal regulations is key to running a successful afterschool program. By using available resources, staying compliant, and using tools like Attendly, you can secure necessary funding, improve your program quality, and make a real difference for students and their communities. Master these regulations, and you'll be able to focus on what really matters—providing great educational experiences for your students.