Chico Unified staff outline expanded-learning afterschool programs, funding sources and staffing pressures

At a special Chico Unified board workshop, staff described the district's expanded learning programs and answered questions about funding, enrollment priorities and staffing.

Ken Claw, administrator for the expanded learning programs, said the district runs a suite of no-cost, grant-funded options for TK through sixth-grade students, including a large BLAST afterschool program, a Homework Heroes option, a sixth-grade after-school offering, before-school care and intersession camps. "We provide a safe, structured, engaging environments for our students so they can explore interest, receive academic support and develop essential life skills," Claw said.

Claw and other presenters described BLAST as a mix of academic support and enrichment: "We provide 60 minutes of academic support daily," he said, noting 30 minutes of required reading and 30 minutes of homework help, followed by enrichment and a dedicated daily recreation period that includes standards-based PE. Staff described leadership by credentialed teachers, instructional paraprofessionals and a partnership with the Chico Area Recreation Department (CARD) for many site leaders.

Staff reported regular participation levels: about 960 students use morning…