Berkeley families are struggling to find after-school care as the beginning of the school year revealed limited spots in district-run programs caused by staffing shortages. The need for adequate care has spurred advocates, like Emily Haan from the PTA, to push for universal after-school programs within the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD). Currently, BUSD offers two main after-school programs—BEARS for low-income families and LEARNS for all students—yet spots are not guaranteed, leading to concerns over equity and accessibility for working parents.
I know we're in a budget crisis, but BUSD leads education on so many other fronts, Haan told Berkeleyside. I just wish they could lead in this way as well.
Unlike some programs in California, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District's Beyond the Bell, BUSD does not offer all families after-school care.
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