FRESH Afterschool Programs serve 119 schools, 28 school districts and more than 35,000 students.
Expanded Learning Program Information:
The FRESH Expanded Learning programs are comprised of ASES and 21ST CCLC funding. These programs are created through partnerships between schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment and safe constructive alternatives for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12). Programs offered are:
- Before School Programs
- After School Elementary and Middle School Programs
- High School After School Programs
- Summer Programs
Program Elements:
- An educational and literacy element is provided through tutoring and/or homework assistance designed to meet state standards in one or more of the core academic subjects.
- An educational enrichment element is offered through an array of services, programs and activities that reinforce and complement the school’s academic program.
- A nutritious snack and/or meal is provided to students participating in the program.
Attendance:
It is the intent of the legislature that elementary school pupils participate in the full day of the program every day during which pupils participate and that pupils in middle school or junior high school attend a minimum of nine hours a week and three days a week to accomplish program goals.
- Priority for enrollment of pupils in middle school or junior high school shall be given to pupils who attend daily.
- Priority for program enrollment will be given to pupils who are identified by program as homeless youth and pupils in foster care.
Education code allows the grantee to develop a policy for the reasonable late arrival and early daily release of pupils from before and after school core programs based on local needs. Early release and late arrival is the exception, not the rule.
Quality Standards:
The California Department of Education After School Division engaged over 100 stakeholders and practitioners in the creation of a new vision and strategic plan for expanded learning in California ASD Strategic Plan 2014-2016. A cornerstone of this strategic plan is the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning Programs. The Quality Standards are a framework and guide that FRESH utilizes to help programs continue to improve quality.
- Safe and supportive environment
- Active and engaged learning
- Skill building
- Youth voice and leadership
- Healthy choices and behaviors
- Diversity, access and equity
- Quality staff
- Clear vision, mission and purpose
- Collaborative partnerships
- Continuous quality improvement
- Program management
- Sustainability
To read in-depth descriptions of each quality standard please click here. (http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ba/as/documents/qualstandexplearn.pdf)
Summer Program Information:
Students who participate in summer program activities show increased academic achievement in school and in their careers and community involvement. FRESH has taken a lead in building a model for summer programs. Schools in this region have developed partnerships within their communities to offer enjoyable comprehensive learning environments throughout the summer.
To read more about benefits of summer programs click here http://www.summermatters.net
Evaluation:
All FRESH Expanded Learning programs are evaluated annually. If you'd like to obtain a copy of an evaluation for specific school site and/or district, please call Belia Lopez at 559-497-3819.
