Davis Joint Unified School District

What is ELO-P?
ELO-P stands for “Expanded Learning Opportunity Program.” State law defines expanded learning programs or ELO-P as ”before school, after school, summer, or intersession learning that focus on developing the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and interests of pupils through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.”
Program Funding:  S.P.A.R.K. is funded by the California Department of Education, as a part of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P).  Pursuant to the requirements in California Education Code Section 46120, DJUSD receives ELO-P funding for afterschool and summer school enrichment programs for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. 

Program Components

• A safe, healthy, and nurturing environment that will reinforce the character and behavioral expectations they learn and practice during their regular school day.
• Positive interactions with staff, caregivers, and students that promote respect and inclusion.
• Program activities that foster the social, emotional, academic, and physical development of students.
• A curriculum based on the developmental needs of school-age students.
• Educational enrichment, such as arts and crafts, academic games, science, STEM, etc.
• DJUSD Student Nutrition Services (SNS) is committed to serving and encouraging healthy snacks. SNS provides TK S.P.A.R.K. students a lunch and 2-food group snack, and After School S.P.A.R.K. students are offered a 2-food group snack daily.
• A 20:1 student ratio (grades 1-6).  10:1 student ratio (TK/K).

Applications and Enrollment

How do I apply?
Applications are available through Informed K-12.  Link will be live and available on our S.P.A.R.K. main web page when applications open. Applications for enrollment open on April 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM and close on April 24.  All applications received after April 24 will be automatically placed on the waitlist. 

I am currently enrolled in SPARK, do I need to apply every year?

Yes, you need to reapply each year.  Enrollment does not carry over from year to year.  

If my student is currently enrolled in S.P.A.R.K., do we have any priority or guarantee for a spot in the program the following year?

Unfortunately, no.  Each year is a new enrollment period and all application interest inquiries are processed according to the prioritization and lottery system referenced below.
When will I know if my student has a spot in the program?
Applications for enrollment must be submitted between April 7 - 24, 2025. An application is an expression of interest. You will receive an email notification regarding your enrollment status on May 15. Your student will be automatically added to the waitlist if no spot is available or if you apply after April 24, 2025.
Are all students eligible and is placement on a first-come-first-served basis?
All students are eligible to apply. Following the state ELO-P legislation, unduplicated students will be given priority to enroll first. Enrollment is based on capacity at a school site and will follow this priority order:

• Priority 1: Foster youth, homeless, qualifies for free/reduced lunch
• Priority 2: English Learners (fee-based)
• Priority 3: All other students (fee-based)

Enrollment is not first come first serve.  If interest exceeds capacity, students will be offered a spot based on a lottery.

Disenrollment

My childcare needs have changed, and I would like to withdraw my enrollment. How can I proceed with disenrollment?

• Changes in enrollment require 30 days notice.  Please contact [email protected] for any enrollment changes.  No refunds will be offered.
• If you disenroll but wish to re-enroll, you will not be guaranteed a spot in a S.P.A.R.K. program.

If I cancel my enrollment, will I receive a refund?
Annual Student Registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Waitlist

I’m on the waitlist, can you tell me my place on the waitlist?

Due to high demand, our SPARK programs often have a waitlist.  If your student is currently on the waitlist, rest assured that we will reach out to you as soon as we are able to accommodate additional enrollments.  The duration of your wait can differ depending on the specific school site or program. 

We do not provide waitlist updates or disclose your student’s position on the waitlist.

Program Fees

Fee Waivers

• Homeless or foster youth
• Qualifies for Free and Reduced Meals
  • All students in California are entitled to school lunch at no cost.  However, to be eligible for an ELO-P fee waiver based on income, you must complete a free and reduced meals application. 
  • Free and reduced meals application: https://www.myschoolapps.com/.  Application for 25-26 school year opens in August 2025.
  • Please contact [email protected] for questions regarding Free and Reduced Meals qualification.

Does my student's ELO-P fee waiver automatically renew or do I have to take some action to secure an ELO-P fee waiver for the next school year?
Families must reapply each year to DJUSD S.P.A.R.K. programs as well as submit a new free and reduced meals application required to qualify for a fee-waiver.

Do you offer a sibling discount if I have more than one student in the program? No, we do not offer sibling discounts.

What are the days and hours of operation?  
S.P.A.R.K. programs operate daily, M - F during the school year and follow the academic calendar.  

During the school year, S.P.A.R.K. follows the dismissal schedule of each individual school site (view the bell schedule at your school’s website).  

• TK S.P.A.R.K. operates from TK dismissal (approximately 11:50 AM) until the primary dismissal
• TK S.P.A.R.K. on Wednesdays will follow early dismissal, at 1:35 pm (1:20 North Davis; 1:30 Cesar Chavez).
• After School S.P.A.R.K. operates from Grades K/1/2/3 dismissal until 5:30 PM daily.
•  Wednesdays:  Start after early dismissal at your student’s school site.
• Teacher-Parent Conference Weeks:  Program follows a Wednesday schedule during conference week.

Is S.P.A.R.K. open on holidays and during the summer?

S.P.A.R.K. ELO-P follows the District’s current School Year Calendar, https://www.djusd.net/about/calendars/.  S.P.A.R.K. programs are closed on all legal holidays and most local holidays.   

Does S.P.A.R.K. offer camp days when school is out of session?

For some local holidays or teacher work days, S.P.A.R.K. may offer a Camp Day.  Camp Days are available and advertised to enrolled families and involve a separate registration process.  Camp Days are offered as a full day program (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM).

No, you may only apply to a S.P.A.R.K. program at the school your student is currently enrolled at.  

My student has been approved for an intra-district transfer, will their S.P.A.R.K. enrollment also transfer?

Unfortunately, no.  Because we are enrolling all school sites simultaneously and enrollment is highly impacted, it is not possible for us to reserve spots for transfers.  Please contact [email protected] to have your S.P.A.R.K. application transferred to the new school.  If the S.P.A.R.K. program at the new school has openings, we will do our best to facilitate the transfer.  However, if the new school is at full capacity, your student will be placed on the waiting list.

DJUSD Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Plan Guide v2.pdf
 - BOE approved 6/1/23

• Priority 1: Homeless/foster youth, qualifies for free/reduced meals
• Priority 2: English Learners (fee based)
• Priority 3: All other students (fee based)

Apply Here

Half Day

• Monday thru Thursday
• June 23 - July 31, 2025
• 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM

• Fridays
• June 27, July 11, 18, and 25
• 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Applications and Enrollment Information:

• Applications are available to all current DJUSD students currently enrolled in grades TK - 5th grade.
• Space is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee your student a spot.
• Enrollment will be based on DJUSD ELO-P priorities.
• Applications are due by April 30, 2025 and enrollment confirmation emails will be sent out in mid-May.
• Once the camp is full, a waitlist will be formed.
• Please contact [email protected] with questions.  Information regarding placement on the waitlist is not available.

Fees: 

• $825/student (Full session enrollment only, partial session is not offered)
• Fee-waivers are available for those who qualify.