Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)

What is the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)?
“Expanded learning” means 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. This program is intended to support qualified PK-8th grade students with free after school, inner session, and summer programs for a minimum of 9 hours of care each day (which includes the full instructional day).  All students in Westminster School District qualify.

California Education Code Section 46120

What does it mean for WSD?
WSD provides in-person before and after school expanded learning opportunities at each of our elementary and middle schools. All TK-8 students will be offered these opportunities for the 180 days that students are in session and at least 30 non-instructional days outside of their regular school year free of cost. This program is intended to support students for a total of 9 hours inclusive of the school day.  More detailed program information and hours of support will be provided by your local school site as the 2024-2025 school year approaches. 

How will it be implemented? 
On WSD’s 180 instructional days, we must provide in-person after school expanded learning opportunities that when added to daily instructional minutes are no less than 9 hours of combined instructional time and expanded learning opportunities per instructional day:

Core Instructional Day (includes recess/lunch) + Expanded Learning (before/after school) =   9 Hours

For at least 30 non-instructional days, during intersessional periods, no less than 9 hours of in-person expanded learning opportunities per day. We provide ELOP services before/after school for the minimum of 9 hours total using WSD facilities.

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) was designed by the State of California to provide students before-school, after-school, summer, or intersession, hands-on, engaging learning experiences and programs that focus on developing: 

      -Academic Skills and Mastery
      - Social-Emotional Competency 
      - Learning Interests
      - Physical Needs 

The intent is that the programs are student-centered, results-driven, include community partners, and complement, but do not replicate learning activities in the regular school day and school year. (ED Section 8482.1[a])

“Expanded learning opportunities” does not mean an extension of instructional time, but rather, opportunities to engage students in enrichment, play, nutrition, and other developmentally appropriate activities." (EC Section 46120[3][1]).

The Westminster School District submitted a comprehensive ELOP Plan—WSD ELOP Plan 2024-25 to the California Department of Education (CDE) that addressed the five programmatic areas outlined in the application. In addition to addressing the programmatic areas identified by CDE, WSD ELOP Plan aligns with the WSD Strategic Plan.