California after-school funding: ELO-P and ASES.
What California’s two after-school programs pay for, who gets the money, and how community providers take part.
Facts checked on official pages, November 4, 2026.
The two programs at a glance
| Program | What it pays for | Grades | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) | After-school and summer enrichment, run by school districts and charter schools | TK through 6th grade | Expanded Learning Opportunities Program |
| After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) | Local after-school programs built by schools and community partners | TK through 9th grade | After School Education and Safety Description |
ELO-P: what a program must offer
- The money goes to school districts and charter schools.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- On school days, class time plus the program must add up to at least nine hours.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- Programs must also run at least 30 non-school days, nine hours each day.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- Groups with TK or kindergarten children keep no more than 10 children for each staff member.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- Joining the program is optional for families.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- Each district’s board approves a program plan in a public meeting. The plan is posted on the district’s website.Source: Expanded Learning Opportunities Program
How community providers take part in ELO-P
- State law encourages districts to work with community groups and child care providers.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- Districts can contract with outside providers to run programs away from school campuses.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
- Districts report their off-site providers to the state each year.Source: Expanded Learning Opportunities Program
- An ELO-P program may run without a child care license from the state.Source: California Education Code Section 46120
Serving other children too? Ask the state about licensing before you open.
ASES: who can apply
- Cities, counties and nonprofits can apply for ASES with a school district’s approval.Source: California Education Code Section 8482.3
- A school district or charter school holds and runs the grant money.Source: Funding Opportunities, Expanded Learning
- Programs keep no more than 20 students for each staff member.Source: California Education Code Section 8483.4
- All staff and volunteers need a health screening and fingerprint clearance.Source: California Education Code Section 8483.4
- An outside provider must report health and safety issues to the district by the next working day.Source: California Education Code Section 8483.4
California’s 21st Century grants
- Community groups and faith-based groups can apply, along with districts, cities and counties.Source: Funding Opportunities, Expanded Learning
- When federal money is available, the state runs a grant contest.Source: Funding Opportunities, Expanded Learning
Where a provider can start
- Find the expanded learning lead at your local school district.
- Read the district’s program plan on its website.
- Ask whether the district contracts with outside providers, and for which grades.
- Watch the state’s funding page for ASES and 21st Century grant contests.
Run a program in California? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Keep reading
- How to start an after-school program
Licenses, grants, space and staff.
- California licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the state’s rules.
- Childcare in California, by the numbers
Programs, spots and new centers in every county.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
What is ELO-P in California?
The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. It pays for after-school and summer enrichment for TK through 6th grade.
Who receives ELO-P money?
School districts and charter schools. They can run programs themselves or contract with outside providers.
What is ASES?
The After School Education and Safety Program. It pays for local after-school programs for TK through 9th grade.
Can a nonprofit get ASES money?
A city, county or nonprofit can apply with a school district’s approval. The district holds the grant money.
Does an ELO-P program need a child care license?
State law lets an ELO-P program run without one. Ask the state before you serve other children too.
Official sources
- Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, California Department of Education. Checked November 4, 2026.
- California Education Code Section 46120, California Legislature. Checked November 4, 2026.
- After School Education and Safety Description, California Department of Education. Checked November 4, 2026.
- California Education Code Section 8482.3, California Legislature. Checked November 4, 2026.
- California Education Code Section 8483.4, California Legislature. Checked November 4, 2026.
- Funding Opportunities, Expanded Learning, California Department of Education. Checked November 4, 2026.
About this page
Facts checked on official pages, November 4, 2026.
Each fact links to the official page it came from.
This page sums up official pages. It is not legal, tax or insurance advice, and rules change.
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