Local school districts offer expanded learning opportunities for families

All three local school districts are heading into the new year with more extended learning opportunities for their students with after-school programs.

Last year, Desert Sands Unified School District launched its Extended Learning Opportunities Program. This year the district is continuing to offer it at its elementary and middle schools during the school year and vacations.

For DSUSD parent, Allison Mineweaser, she said as a parent who works late it's nice to have an enrichment program her kids enjoy going to.

 “It’s been a complete game changer for families," explained DSUSD Director of Expanded Learning Kistrn Knapp. "Before kids would go home and they couldn’t have anything they could participate in. A lot of times parents are working until the evening.”

Through the program children participate in what are called enrichment activities they wouldn't be taking part in during school hours. Some of the clubs include art classes, robotics, and other fun hobbies.

Palm Springs Unified School District also has its own Extended Learning Opportunities Program.

The district said it's going to mirror what it did last school year this school year and add more opportunities for kids.

Coachella Valley Unified School District also has a similar program called The After School Education and Safety Program (ASES). It provides literacy, academic enrichment, and safe constructive alternatives for students in kindergarten to sixth grade during after-school hours.