Links Enrichment, Academics and Recreation to the Needs of Students.
Kelly Detorres, Expanded Learning Interim Manager Email: kellydetorres@berkeley.net
Brazil McIntyre, After School Program Supervisor Email: brazilmcintyre@berkeley.net
LEARNS Program Specialist Contact Information
Summer School 2026
- BUSD offers multiple programs during the summer to serve students. Please complete the Summer School Programs Interest Form if you are interested in enrolling your student for 2026. Many programs target a specific population of students.
- Extended School Year, Credit Recovery and BEARS programs are by invitation only.
- Academic Summer School for rising Kindergarteners through Eighth Graders prioritizes enrollment for students identified as unduplicated and scoring below grade level in English Language Arts.
Planning Ahead
BUSD LEARNS Expanded Learning Programs Fall 2026-27
Dear Berkeley Unified Family,We are sharing information early so families can plan for Expanded Learning before and after-care programs for the 2026–27 school year.
Key Registration Dates:
Applications Open: April 21, 2026
Applications Close: May 3, 2026
Notification of Application Status: June 1, 2026
Additional program information and resources will be available on April 13, 2026. We encourage all families who may need extended care to apply, even if you are unsure whether you will receive a placement. Because demand for extended care school programs exceeds available space at some schools, placements are determined using enrollment priorities described below. Depending on the school site, BUSD Expanded Learning programs typically serve approximately 50–70% of interested families.
Berkeley LEARNS Mission Statement
Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs support children in reaching their full potential by providing academic support, recreational activities, and enrichment classes in a safe and structured environment. Located at the school sites, we strengthen the link between the schools and families and strive to provide a seamless day. By working directly with teachers, staff, families, and school based programs we are better able to advance student learning.
What We Do
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 nine elementary school sites (Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, Emerson, Sylvia Mendez, Malcolm X, Oxford, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks, and Washington), and at all three middle schools. LEARNS also has morning programs before school at Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont and Rosa Parks. 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. Programs receive grant reimbursement for students who attend the program five days a week for three hours a day. Full-time enrollees and students meeting immediate placement consideration 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.
Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs consist of four major components:
1. 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 students’ academic challenges and strengths, which enable the staff to provide appropriate academic activities.
2. 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 specialists. The range of classes include: Visual and Performing Arts, Music, Life skills, STEAM, and many more. Multiple sessions are offered per year. While participating in these components, 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.
3. Recreational Activities
- Athletic equipment and uniforms
- Fees for game officiating
- Stipends for BUSD staff to coach individual teams
- Fees for tournaments
- Salaries for Athletic Program Specialists (full time at each site) who do the following:
- Coordinate teams
- Scheduling
- Supervise events
- Coordinate Tournaments
- Hire coaches
- Ensure all members of teams are enrolled in LEARNS
- Overtime pay for BUSD safety officers for games
- Snacks for all participating students
- Academic support/Supervision of students while attending
4. Community Building
Berkeley LEARNS programs instill a sense of community among the students that foster pride in their program, school, and community. Building intentional communities, with a focus on serving the social-emotional needs of our students. Some of the related activities include community circles, leadership programs, Be The Change team and community building activities, community service projects, and restorative justice models. 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 engage in their children’s education.
LEARNS Late Pick-up Notification
FAMILY MEMBERS MUST ARRIVE BEFORE 6:00 P.M. TO PICK UP THEIR CHILD/CHILDREN. If a child is left at the program after 6:00 p.m., we will consider this a late pick-up. The policy for late pick-ups is as follows:- After the first late pick-up, you will receive a verbal and written notification that a late pick-up has occurred.
- Parents who are late in picking up their child/children 3 times during the school year may be dropped from the program
- Program staff will call the Berkeley Police Department to pick up any child who has not been picked up by 6:15 p.m.
