Good News: Your After-School Programs Can Thrive Under New Executive Orders

Today, on January 29, 2025, two executive orders were signed that strengthen after-school programs and expand funding options. Here's your clear path forward.

Key Changes: More Funding Options, Enhanced Parent Involvement

Executive Order 1: New Requirements Support Parent Engagement

Read the full order at whitehouse.gov

This order aims to prevent what it terms "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools receiving federal funding. It establishes new oversight mechanisms for curriculum content and reinstates the 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order specifically addresses parental rights and oversight in educational programming.

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Key takeaways:

• Requirements for enhanced parental notification and consent procedures
• The reestablishment of the 1776 Commission within 120 days
• New compliance requirements for schools receiving federal funding
• Specific oversight of program content and materials

Executive Order 2: More Funding and Program Options Available

Read the full order at whitehouse.gov

This order focuses on expanding school choice and funding flexibility across educational programs. It directs multiple federal departments to review and revise how their education funds can be used, with particular emphasis on supporting low-income, military, and Native American families. The order sets specific 90-day deadlines for departments to propose implementation plans.

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Key takeaways:

• New guidance for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) usage within 90 days
• Review of funding mechanisms for various student populations
• Expanded options for how federal education funds can be used
• Direction to multiple federal departments to identify additional funding pathways

California After-School Programs Get More Options

For after-school programs in California, these executive orders present both continuity and change. The second order, focusing on educational choice, actually reinforces the role of after-school programs as valuable educational options for families. These programs align well with the order's emphasis on expanding opportunities for low-income communities and providing parents with more educational choices for their children.

The first order's compliance requirements will require careful attention to program administration. All federally-funded programs will need to demonstrate clear parental oversight and involvement in program operations. This includes detailed documentation of program content and enhanced communication with parents about educational materials and activities. By September 17, 2025, all programs receiving federal funds must also include an educational program about the U.S. Constitution.

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Most current after-school programs will continue as usual, particularly:

• Sports programs
• Academic support and tutoring
• Arts education

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Programs needing review:

• Social-emotional learning components
• DEI-related programming
• Programs operating with limited parental oversight

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Affected programs may include:

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC)
• Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)
• After School Education and Safety Program (ASES)

Immediate Steps and Timeline

Within the next 90 days:

• The Department of Health and Human Services will issue new CCDBG guidance
• The Department of Defense will review funding mechanisms for military families
• The Department of Interior will assess options for BIE-eligible students

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Within 120 days:

• The Department of Education will establish the 1776 Commission
• New compliance guidelines will be developed
• Updated reporting requirements will be specified

Attendly's Enhanced Support for Your Success

We are taking specific steps to help your after-school program maintain compliance:

1. Monitoring all federal guidance as it's released
2. Updating our attendance and reporting systems to match new requirements
3. Examining our parental notification features
4. Maintaining detailed program content documentation

Next Steps

While we await detailed implementation guidance, we recommend:

1. Continue running your core sports, academic, and arts programs as usual
2. Document your current parental notification procedures
3. Review program materials for alignment with new requirements
4. Prepare for enhanced reporting needs

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We will provide updates as new guidance becomes available. For specific questions about your program's compliance, please contact your Attendly representative.