Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs
Zachary Pless, Extended Learning Program Supervisor
Emily Davidow, Berkeley LEARNS Program Supervisor
1731 Prince Street
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: (510) 883-6146
Fax: (510) 644-7726
Berkeley LEARNS (Links Enrichment, Academics and Recreation to the Needs of Students) After School Programs
Berkeley LEARNS programs provide academic support, cultural enrichment and recreation from the time the traditional school day ends until 6:00pm during the academic year. The programs are in operation at ten elementary school sites (Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, Emerson, John Muir, Le Conte, Malcolm X, Oxford, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks and Washington), at all three middle schools, and B-Tech.
All BUSD students are eligible to participate in a Berkeley LEARNS After School Program. Students can ONLY enroll at the program located at the school they attend. Students and siblings who are currently enrolled in a program receive priority placement for the following year. Additional spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programs receives reimbursement for students who attend the Program five days a week for three hours a day. Full time enrollees will receive priority in registration. Every effort will be made to accommodate parents seeking part time enrollment. Drop-in students are not allowed.
Berkeley LEARNS programs are primarily funded by the California Department of Education After School Education and Safety Programs (ASES) grant, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants, parent fees based on a sliding scale, and various mini-grants.
LEARNS Coordinator Roster (PDF)
Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs consist of four major components.
Academic Support
The academic component supports academic success by creating links to classroom learning by offering homework support, small group or individual tutoring, and mentoring. The program staff is in continual communication with the classroom teachers to stay informed of studentsí academic challenges and strengths, which enable the staff to provide appropriate academic activities.
Enrichment Opportunities
The enrichment component offers both traditional and non-traditional activities designed to build knowledge and enhance creative expression. These opportunities are offered by program staff and contracted specialist. The range of classes include: Visual and Performing Arts, Music, Life skills, and Science, and many more. Multiple sessions are offered per year. While participating in this component students have the opportunity to sharpen and/or learn skills and discover new ways to express themselves. We have found that when children are offered the chance to excel in enrichment activities, their self-esteem and confidence soars, which leads to academic success.
Recreational Activities
We encourage personal growth through competitive and non-competitive sports by building teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit, developing relationships, and having fun. Through our partnership with the City of Berkeley we are able to offer our elementary school students an enhanced athletic program. The middle school programs include recreational sports and interscholastic athletic teams.
Community Building
Berkeley LEARNS Programs instill a sense of community among the students that fosters pride in their program, school, and community. Some of the related activities include: community circles, leadership programs, TRIBES, community service projects, and conflict resolution programs. In addition, the programs serve as a resource to families and the community. The programs encourage and value all forms of parent/guardian involvement and offer multiple opportunities for parents/guardians to be involved in their childrenís education.
Extended Day Care (EDC)
The Extended Day Care program provides before and after school child care and works with the attendance zone system to ensure accessibility to primary grade children at all elementary schools. The EDC operates at 7 sites (Berkeley Arts Magnet, Jefferson, LeConte, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks, and Washington).
Activities in the EDC include: homework assistance, reading for recreation, arts and crafts, nutrition education, computer instruction, theater and visual arts, field trips, music, seasonal sports, etc.
The EDC is a year-round program for students in grades K-3 and therefore open during winter/spring breaks and summer vacation. Registration begins in March; however, enrollment is limited and eligibility is based upon need and income. Fees are based on a sliding scale.
Transportation is provided from the school sites to the EDC sites.
Click here for a list of EDC sites, addresses, staff and phone numbers.
Community Programs
Various community-based organizations provide after school care for Berkeley students. Programs offered at the Berkeley Parks and Recreation Centers and the YMCA include a wide array of services such as homework assistance, arts, music, recreation, as well as more specialized programs that include: foreign language, nature, karate, and yoga classes.
Limited space is available and enrollment is first-come, first-serve at most locations. Please contact the specific program for details on services, enrollment procedures and fees.
Limited transportation is provided from school sites to community programs.