If you are a principal, ELOP coordinator, or district administrator in California, you are likely managing one of the most significant expanded learning funding streams the state has ever created — and you are probably doing it without a clear playbook.
Free: ELOP Funding Checklist
The step-by-step checklist every California principal needs before the June 30 LCAP deadline.
This guide is intended to be that playbook.
What Is ELOP?
The Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) was established by California Assembly Bill 130 in 2021. It provides per-pupil funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) for expanded learning programs serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade, specifically targeting schools with high concentrations of English learners, students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and foster youth.
The Core ELOP Requirements
ELOP-funded programs must meet specific requirements:
- Duration: Programs must bring a student’s total instructional and enrichment time to nine hours daily.
- Academic year coverage: Programs must operate during the full regular school year.
- Summer programming: LEAs above a certain funding threshold must offer summer programming.
- Quality standards: Programs must include academic support, enrichment activities, and healthy development components.
How Much ELOP Funding Is Available in 2026?
ELOP funding is allocated through the state budget based on enrollment of unduplicated students. For 2025-2026, funding has been maintained, though some districts have experienced flat allocations. Verify your specific allocation with your county office of education.
Key funding realities:
- Funding is use-it-or-lose-it. Unspent dollars do not roll over.
- Funding flows through the LEA, not directly to school sites.
- Multiple funding streams can stack — ELOP, LCAP, Title I, and Title IV can be used together.
What Can ELOP Funding Be Used For?
Allowable uses include:
- Staffing for expanded learning programs
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Contracted services with expanded learning providers
- Professional development for expanded learning staff
- Facilities costs directly associated with the program
Not allowable: General school facilities improvements, technology for the regular school day, or programs serving only non-unduplicated students.
How Kodely Programs Align With ELOP Requirements
Kodely programs are designed with ELOP compliance in mind — because the students ELOP targets are the students Kodely exists to serve.
The three-component requirement. ELOP programs must include academic support, enrichment, and healthy development. Kodely’s seven program areas span all three: STEM and literacy-integrated programs satisfy academic support; arts, entrepreneurship, and environmental citizenship satisfy enrichment; SEL and Sports and PE satisfy healthy development.
Staffing requirements. Kodely handles all instructor hiring, background clearances, training, and ongoing coaching — ensuring compliance without creating administrative burden for the school.
Documentation and reporting. Kodely provides the data and reporting support schools need to satisfy ELOP requirements.
Common Mistakes Schools Make With ELOP Funding
Mistake 1: Starting the procurement process too late
Vendor contracts need to be in place before school starts — ideally by May or June for a fall launch. Schools that start looking in August rarely get programs stood up by September.
Mistake 2: Confusing compliance with quality
Meeting ELOP requirements on paper and delivering genuine value to students are not the same thing. Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling.
Mistake 3: Underinvesting in summer programming
The summer ELOP requirement catches many schools off guard. Treat it as a separate workstream, not an afterthought.
Mistake 4: Not coordinating ELOP with LCAP spending
Your ELOP spending plan should be developed in coordination with your LCAP goals, not independently.
Mistake 5: Selecting providers without vetting retention
Instructor turnover is the silent killer of expanded learning programs. Ask specifically about instructor retention rates before signing anything.
Practical Planning Timeline for 2026-2027
- March–April 2026: Confirm ELOP allocation. Assess current program quality.
- April–May 2026: Begin provider conversations. Issue RFP if switching vendors.
- May–June 2026: Finalize contracts. Begin instructor recruitment.
- July 2026: Summer program launches. Begin fall planning.
- September 2026: Full program launch.
Book a Consultation
If you are navigating ELOP planning and want a direct conversation about how Kodely can help, visit kodely.io. We talk about your school, your funding, and your students — not a generic pitch deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ELOP funding in California schools?
ELOP, or the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, is a California state initiative that provides funding to local educational agencies to offer free before-school, after-school, and summer enrichment programs for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. The program was established under Assembly Bill 130 and is designed to support academic enrichment, physical activity, and social-emotional learning outside of the regular school day. Schools receive allocations based on student enrollment and the proportion of students from low-income households.
Who is eligible for ELOP funding in California?
California school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools that serve students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to receive ELOP funding. Priority enrollment in ELOP-funded programs must be given to students who are experiencing homelessness, are in foster care, or qualify for free or reduced-price meals. LEAs must also partner with community-based organizations to expand program capacity when feasible.
What can ELOP funds be used for?
ELOP funds must be used to operate expanded learning programs that include academic support, enrichment activities, physical fitness, and nutrition services during non-school hours. Allowable expenditures include staffing, materials, transportation, facilities, and contracts with community-based program providers. Funds cannot be used to supplant existing general education resources and must supplement services already provided to students.
When do California schools receive ELOP funding and what are the deadlines?
California school districts receive ELOP funding allocations as part of the annual state budget process, with amounts typically confirmed after the Governor signs the budget each June. LEAs are required to begin offering expanded learning programs within a specified timeline after receiving funds and must submit annual expenditure reports to the California Department of Education. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, districts should consult the CDE’s ELOP webpage for updated deadlines and reporting requirements specific to that cycle.
How much ELOP funding do California schools receive per student?
ELOP funding is allocated on a per-pupil basis, with the exact rate varying each fiscal year based on the state budget and the number of eligible students statewide. For recent fiscal years, the base rate has been approximately $1,600 to $2,000 per eligible student, with additional supplemental amounts provided for students who are English learners or qualify under the local control funding formula. Districts should verify the precise per-pupil rate for 2025-2026 through the California Department of Education or their county office of education.
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