Charter Oak Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) provides funding for afterschool and summer enrichment programs for specific student populations transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.

"Expanded learning" means after-school, 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.  It is the intent of the Legislature that expanded learning programs are pupil-centered, results-driven, include community partners, and complement, but do not replicate, learning activities in the regular school day and school year.

ELOP is an extension of Charter Oak Unified School District’s Extended Day Enrichment Program and is offered at each elementary school site.

The primary goal of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program in COUSD is academic support, enrichment, and connections for students beyond the regular school day. 

Eligible Students

The state of California provides funding for Expanded Learning Opportunity Programs (ELOP) for TK through 6th grade students. This program is free for students who qualify for free/reduced meals, are experiencing housing instability, are English Language Learners, or are foster youth. Enrollment is voluntary.

Space in this program is limited and prioritized for families who can benefit from the program five days per week. A waiting list will be developed should interest exceed the capacity of the program.

Enrollment

If you are interested in your child/children attending after school Expanded Learning Opportunity Programs, please ensure you have marked "Yes" to opt-in on Annual Data Confirmation or school registration. You can update your information at any time.

After marking "Yes" on the opt-in section of their student registration form, parents/guardians will need to complete the ELOP agreement form if they qualify for the program.  

At this time, spots are limited per grade level based on our staffing capacity. If student interest exceeds this number, then a wait list will be formed while we work on increasing our staff capacity. Priority registration will be given to families who meet ELOP grant criteria.

Question about the ELOP program and enrollment qualifications can be answered by our office staff (626) 914-3961.

What the Program Provides

The Expanded Learning Opportunity Program provides additional academic support, social and emotional development activities, music and the arts, STEAM, sports, dance, drama, and much more.  The program begins after the end of the school day, with both academic tutoring, and variety of fun enrichment activities until 6pm.  

Nutrition

As soon as students are dismissed from their classroom at the end of the regular school day, they will be escorted by their teachers to the cafeteria to begin the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Students will be provided a nutritionally balanced supper meal before their programing begins.  An additional snack will be provided at 4:30pm.

The Power Hour

After eating their supper, the academic power hour begins. During this time, students can complete homework and attend specific academic intervention and tutoring classes. Teachers will communicate with the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program director about areas where their students are struggling and can use additional instruction to reinforce classroom lessons.

Enrichment

Enrichment activities are offered in 1-hour blocks from 4pm-6 pm.   

Attendance

Our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is designed to offer families flexibility and customization to meet the needs of their family and the interests of their children. Families may choose to have their children attend daily, or for a portion of time that interests them. While children can be picked up from the ELO Program at any time, we encourage parents to have their child attend 5 days a week and participate until 5pm daily so that they can enjoy an after-school meal and get the most out of the academic power hour and enrichment activities.