Berkeley Learns (Links Enrichment, Academics, and Recreation to the Needs of Students) after school programs are dedicated to supporting the holistic development of children in Berkeley. Understanding the evolving needs of families, the LEARNS program provides a structured, safe, and enriching environment that extends the school day, fostering academic growth, creative exploration, and community engagement. Currently operating from a temporary location at the Berkeley Adult School (1005 Parker St, Berkeley, CA 94710), LEARNS remains committed to providing high-quality after school experiences for Berkeley students, available strictly by appointment.
For any inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to the LEARNS program administration team:
Yusef Auletta, Expanded Learning Interim Manager
Email: [email protected]
Brazil McIntyre, After School Program Supervisor
Email: [email protected]
For specific LEARNS Program Specialist contact information, please refer to this document.
Mark your calendars! Registration for the 2023-2024 academic year opens on April 17th, 2023. Click here for registration details.
Our Mission: Nurturing Potential Through Berkeley LEARNS
The core mission of Berkeley LEARNS after school programs is to empower every child to reach their maximum potential. We achieve this by seamlessly integrating academic support, diverse recreational activities, and stimulating enrichment classes within a secure and well-organized setting, right at the heart of school campuses. By forging strong partnerships between schools and families, Berkeley LEARNS strives to create a cohesive and continuous learning experience for students throughout the day. Close collaboration with teachers, school staff, families, and various school-based programs ensures that LEARNS effectively contributes to each student’s academic journey and overall well-being.
What Berkeley LEARNS Offers: A Comprehensive Approach
Berkeley LEARNS programs are designed to provide a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the diverse needs of students from the end of the regular school day until 6:00 PM, throughout the academic year. Our programming spans across nine elementary school sites, including Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, Emerson, Sylvia Mendez, Malcolm X, Oxford, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks, and Washington, and extends to all three middle schools in Berkeley. Recognizing the importance of before-school care for some families, LEARNS also operates morning programs at Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, and Rosa Parks.
Participation in Berkeley LEARNS after school programs is open to all students enrolled in Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD). Enrollment is site-specific, meaning students can only register for the LEARNS program at the school they attend. To ensure continuity and support for existing families, priority enrollment is given to students currently enrolled in a LEARNS program and their siblings for the subsequent year. Remaining spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, highlighting the program’s popularity and value within the community.
Funding models for LEARNS programs are structured to maximize accessibility and impact. Grant reimbursements are secured for students attending five days a week for a minimum of three hours daily. Full-time enrollment and students meeting specific immediate placement criteria are prioritized during registration. While full-time attendance is encouraged, Berkeley LEARNS endeavors to accommodate families seeking part-time enrollment wherever possible. It’s important to note that drop-in attendance is not permitted to ensure program stability and student safety.
Berkeley LEARNS is sustained through a combination of funding sources, demonstrating a robust commitment to the program’s success. Primary funding is derived from the California Department of Education After School Education and Safety Programs (ASES) grant and 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants. Parent fees, structured on a sliding scale to ensure affordability, and various mini-grants further contribute to the financial stability and program enrichment of Berkeley LEARNS.
The Four Pillars of Berkeley LEARNS Programs
Berkeley LEARNS after school programs are built upon four fundamental components, each designed to contribute to the well-rounded development of participating students:
1. Academic Empowerment Through Support
Academic support is a cornerstone of Berkeley LEARNS, designed to reinforce classroom learning and foster academic achievement. This component offers targeted homework assistance, small group instruction, individualized tutoring, and mentorship opportunities. LEARNS program staff maintain consistent communication with classroom teachers to gain insights into students’ academic progress, challenges, and strengths. This collaborative approach enables staff to tailor academic activities effectively, providing relevant and impactful support that directly addresses student needs and enhances their learning journey.
2. Enrichment: Expanding Horizons and Creative Expression
The enrichment component of Berkeley LEARNS is dedicated to broadening students’ horizons through a diverse array of activities that cultivate knowledge and stimulate creative expression. Delivered by both dedicated program staff and specialist instructors, enrichment opportunities encompass a wide spectrum, including visual and performing arts, music, essential life skills, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects, among many others. Offered in multiple sessions throughout the year, these classes provide students with valuable platforms to hone existing talents, acquire new skills, and discover innovative avenues for self-expression. Berkeley LEARNS recognizes that when children are empowered to excel in enrichment activities, their self-esteem and self-assurance experience significant growth, which, in turn, positively impacts their academic performance and overall success.
3. Recreation: Fostering Growth Through Play and Teamwork
Berkeley LEARNS promotes personal development through both competitive and non-competitive recreational activities. Sports and games serve as vehicles for building teamwork, nurturing a healthy competitive spirit, fostering positive relationships, and, importantly, ensuring that students have fun while staying active. Through a collaborative partnership with the City of Berkeley, LEARNS enhances its athletic program offerings for elementary school students, providing enriched opportunities for physical activity and skill development. Middle school programs extend recreational sports and also include interscholastic athletic teams, catering to a range of interests and athletic aspirations.
LEARNS Middle School Sports Programs
The middle school sports programs are integral to the overall Berkeley LEARNS after school program. Student participation in any sport within the LEARNS program necessitates both registration in LEARNS and payment of monthly LEARNS fees throughout their sports involvement.
Middle School LEARNS Fees for Sports: Frequently Asked Questions
A common question regarding middle school sports participation fees within a public school district is addressed transparently by Berkeley LEARNS:
Why are there athletic participation fees in a public school district’s after school program?
Mirroring practices in neighboring districts, fees are associated with optional, opt-in after school athletic programs to ensure program sustainability and quality.
What are these fees allocated to?
The fees directly support various essential aspects of the sports programs, including:
- Procurement of athletic equipment and team uniforms.
- Coverage of fees for game officials and referees.
- Provision of stipends for BUSD staff members who dedicate their time to coaching individual teams.
- Funding for participation in tournaments and competitive events.
- Salaries for dedicated Athletic Program Specialists at each middle school site. These specialists play a crucial role in:
- Coordinating team logistics and operations.
- Managing game and practice scheduling.
- Supervising athletic events and ensuring student safety.
- Organizing and coordinating tournaments.
- Recruiting, hiring, and managing coaching staff.
- Verifying that all team members are properly enrolled in the LEARNS program.
- Coverage of overtime pay for BUSD safety officers who provide security and supervision during games.
- Provision of nutritious snacks for all participating student-athletes.
- Ensuring academic support and supervision for students while they are engaged in the sports program.
Are there options for families who can contribute more to support others?
Recognizing varying financial capabilities within the community, Berkeley LEARNS has established the BUSD Scholarship Fund for Middle School Athletics. This fund provides an avenue for those who wish to contribute financially to support athletic program access for students who may face financial barriers.
- [Donate to Longfellow MS Athletics](Link to Donation Page – Placeholder)
- [Donate to MLK MS Athletics](Link to Donation Page – Placeholder)
- [Donate to Willard MS Athletics](Link to Donation Page – Placeholder)
For individuals who prefer to contribute their time and skills, volunteer opportunities are available. Sign up to volunteer for a shift during a game!
What if my family faces financial hardship and cannot afford the fees?
Berkeley LEARNS is committed to ensuring program accessibility for all families. All fees are assessed based on a sliding scale to accommodate varying income levels. Families who find the indicated rate unaffordable are encouraged to communicate directly with their LEARNS Program Specialist or Program Supervisors to explore available options and support.
Crucial Forms for Middle School Student-Athletes:
BUSD Health Certification for Participation in Group Sports – This form is mandatory for participation.
4. Community Building: Fostering Belonging and Engagement
Berkeley LEARNS programs prioritize the cultivation of a strong sense of community among students, instilling pride in their program, their school, and the wider Berkeley community. Intentional community building, with a focus on addressing the social-emotional needs of students, is central to this component. Related activities include community circles to foster open communication, leadership development programs, the “Be The Change” team initiatives, community service projects to promote civic responsibility, and restorative justice models to build positive conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, LEARNS programs serve as valuable resources for families and the community, actively encouraging and valuing all forms of parent and guardian involvement, and providing numerous opportunities for families to engage in their children’s educational journey and the LEARNS community.
Registration Information for Berkeley LEARNS 2023-2024
Exciting news! Registration for the 2023-2024 school year will commence on Monday, April 17th at 9:00 AM and remain open through May 19th. It is imperative that all families currently enrolled in LEARNS complete the registration process for the upcoming school year to secure their child’s continued participation.
Register Online – Begin your registration here!
For comprehensive details regarding the registration process, please click here.
Please note that application submission does not automatically guarantee enrollment due to program capacity and priority considerations. Priority enrollment is granted to full-time students, students currently enrolled in LEARNS and their siblings, and students who meet specific immediate service criteria as outlined in the program’s fee scale notice. Remaining spaces are filled based on application receipt date, emphasizing the importance of timely application submission. Enrollment decisions are contingent upon space availability within each program site.
Once your student’s application is submitted, they will be placed on a waitlist. You will receive notification regarding the application status from the Program Specialist at your child’s school by the end of the current school year. Program Specialists are available at their respective school sites until the last day of school in June and will resume their roles when school reopens in August.
LEARNS Program Fee Scales – Access the fee structure for the program.
Important Late Pick-Up Policy for LEARNS Families
It is essential that family members arrive before 6:00 PM to pick up their child/children from the Berkeley LEARNS program. Picking up a child after 6:00 PM is considered a late pick-up and is subject to the following policy:
- First Late Pick-Up: Following the first instance of late pick-up, parents/guardians will receive both verbal and written notification that a late pick-up has occurred to ensure clear communication and awareness of the policy.
- Subsequent Late Pick-Ups & Potential Program Disenrollment: Parents who are late in picking up their child/children on 3 occasions during the school year may face disenrollment from the program. This policy is in place to ensure program stability and respect for program staff schedules.
- Pick-Up After 6:15 PM: In situations where a child remains at the program after 6:15 PM and has not been picked up by an authorized individual, program staff are required to contact the Berkeley Police Department to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
Berkeley LEARNS understands that unforeseen circumstances can occasionally cause difficulties with timely pick-ups. If you anticipate challenges in consistently picking up your child by 6:00 PM, please proactively make arrangements for an alternative pick-up and inform the LEARNS program staff of these arrangements in advance. Open communication is key to ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for all LEARNS families.
