Castro Valley Unified School District is aware of misinformation being shared by PlayCV in the community regarding the District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) and the item scheduled for consideration by the Board of Education on August 26. 

The District understands that families and staff may have questions about the potential of new providers, the transition process and what it could mean for current students participating in ELOP and current staff working for PlayCV.

To ensure families, staff, and community members have accurate information, CVUSD is sharing the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to clarify the process, address concerns circulating online, and explain what families can expect if the Board authorizes the District to move forward.  We are dedicated and committed to modeling professional, respectful, and factual communications both online and in-person. We believe our parents, students, staff, and community deserve that. Culture starts with us.

All of the information shared below is PENDING CVUSD’s Board of Education action.

CVUSD Frequently Asked Questions: Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Provider Transition for 2027

Registration & Enrollment

1. Will my child automatically remain enrolled in the afterschool program?

Yes! If your child is currently enrolled, their spot is automatically secured for the January transition. You will only need to complete updated student details and emergency contacts for the new provider.

2. Will there be any change in cost for families?

No. The funding structure for ELOP remains unchanged, and eligible students will continue to access the program at no cost to families. It is a state requirement to provide the program for free to qualified students.

3. What if I want to sign up my child for the first time in January?

We welcome new enrollments! Registration details and timelines for new families will be shared in September via email, flyer, and on our school website.

General Information

4. Why conduct a Request for Proposal (RFP) process?

An RFP every 3–5 years is a governance best practice promoting quality and value. It aligns with procurement best practices & Board policies, allows updates to contract expectations based on state requirements, and ensures competitive, cost-effective use of public funds.

Proposals were reviewed and evaluated through a comprehensive process based on the following criteria: Addressing Program Needs, Program Design, Elements of High-Quality Programming, Professional Development, Program Evaluation, Program Funding, and Leadership.

18 proposals were submitted to CVUSD. PLAYCV submitted a proposal.

5. What changes are happening with our afterschool program?

Beginning in January 2027, our district will be partnering with new community providers for our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). While our programming continues to be focused on providing high-quality, engaging, and safe afterschool care, the organization running the daily activities at your school site will change.

6. Why is the district changing providers?

To ensure we are delivering the best possible experience for our students and families, the district recently completed a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process. We reviewed multiple proposals and evaluated program quality, including conducting extensive interviews with top providers. This updated partnership will allow us to expand offerings, improve program quality, and better align with state ELOP guidelines.

An important consideration is also ensuring the program is fiscally sustainable and solvent, so that available ELOP funding is sufficient to support services and participation levels without creating an ongoing financial obligation for the District.

Responsible stewardship of these public funds is essential to maintaining a high-quality, sustainable expanded learning program that can continue to serve CVUSD students over time.

Daily Operations & Care

7. Will the program hours or locations change?

No. Programming will continue to take place directly on your school campus immediately following the final bell, maintaining the same operating hours as it does currently.

8. What kind of activities will the new providers offer?

Our new providers bring rich, well-rounded programming that includes academic support/homework help, healthy snacks, physical activity/sports, hands-on STEM projects, and creative arts.

9. Will current afterschool staff stay at our school?

While management and curriculum will be led by a new provider, our new partners will actively recruit local site staff during transition just like PLAYCV did when they first started. Our new providers will work directly with our school community to hire qualified, energetic staff, ensuring safety and background clearance standards are fully met. 

10. When will this change take place?

The District’s goal is to transition to new ELOP providers when students return from winter break in January 2027. 

There is no immediate change to current ELOP services. The District will work through the appropriate contracting and transition processes following Board action, with the goal of maintaining continuity of services for students and families.

If the transition moves forward, families will receive information well in advance regarding provider assignments, registration, program details, and any actions they may need to take.

11. When will we learn which specific provider is assigned to our school?

Specific provider details for each school site, along with introductions to the site directors, will be shared with families in September.

For general questions about the transition, please contact the District ELOP Office at 510-537-3000, ext. 1260/ askcvusdelop@cv.k12.ca.us. You can also go to our ELOP website at this link: https://www.cv.k12.ca.us/expanded-learning-opportunity-progr