Understanding ELO-P Funding and Allowable Expenses

California's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) offers substantial funding to support after-school and summer school programs for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. This funding helps schools provide engaging learning experiences that complement regular instruction. If your school qualifies, this money can really enhance your expanded learning programs.

How ELO-P Funding Works

The amount of funding your school receives depends on student attendance and the percentage of students who are low-income, English learners, foster youth, or experiencing homelessness. This makes sure that schools with higher needs receive more support. Schools with a 75% or higher unduplicated pupil percentage (UPP) receive guaranteed ELOP funding for three years, which helps them maintain consistent after-school programs even if their student population changes. More information about ELO-P funding can be found on the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Opportunities Program page. 

What You Can Use ELO-P Funding For

ELO-P funding is flexible, allowing schools to use it for a variety of expenses that support their expanded learning programs. For example, you can hire qualified teachers, instructional aides, and program coordinators to lead engaging activities. You can also provide hands-on learning experiences with materials like art supplies, sports equipment, and technology resources. The funds can also be used for field trips, guest speakers, and extracurricular activities. 

Transportation costs for students who need to travel to different school sites or locations for expanded learning programs can also be covered. If needed, you can even lease facilities for your expanded learning programs, including rent, utilities, and maintenance. While some funds can be used for administrative expenses, these costs should not exceed 15% of the total grant. This means the majority of the funding should directly support student learning and enrichment.

To illustrate the range of expenses that are allowed, consider these examples: funding could be used to create a dedicated makerspace with 3D printers and robotics kits, hire local artists to lead after-school art workshops, or provide transportation for students to participate in a weekend coding camp. The key is to align expenses with the program's goals and ensure they directly benefit student learning and enrichment.

What ELO-P Funding Can't Be Used For

While ELO-P is flexible, there are some restrictions. ELO-P funding cannot be used for activities during the regular school day. It also cannot be used for adult education programs; the funds are exclusively for programs serving TK-6 students. When planning staffing for ELO-P programs, schools must adhere to specific student-to-staff ratios and compliance requirements. Schools should understand ELO-P compliance monitoring processes to ensure their programs meet all state requirements.

Important Considerations

To make the most of ELO-P funding, keep these points in mind. Before spending any money, assess the needs and interests of your students to ensure your program is effective. Consider conducting surveys, holding focus groups with parents and students, and analyzing student academic performance and extracurricular involvement to identify areas where expanded learning can have the greatest impact. Partner with community organizations to enhance your programs and offer a wider range of learning opportunities. Collaborating with local libraries, museums, after-school programs, and other community-based organizations can provide students with access to a larger range of resources and expertise. Develop a clear plan outlining how you will use the funding, including program activities, staffing, and evaluation methods. Maintaining accurate records and documentation of all ELOP expense, along with notes explaining how each purchase supports your program goals and student services. These specific records make program audits straightforward and verify that funds directly benefit students.

By understanding the guidelines and using the funding wisely, you can create high-quality expanded learning programs that benefit your students and community.