ASEP Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to ASEP’s Frequently Asked Questions page. We’ve put this together to help answer common questions about our programs, enrollment process, policies, and daily operations. Our goal is to provide clear and transparent information so families can better understand how ASEP runs and what to expect throughout the year. If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re always happy to help.
Enrollment
Yes. Families must complete a new ASEP application each school year. Enrollment does not automatically roll over from one year to the next.
Enrollment is only confirmed after ASEP reviews the application and sends an official acceptance. Each child must have their own application and enrollment materials on file.
Yes. Each child must apply separately. Even if siblings are applying for the same program, ASEP needs a complete application and enrollment information for each student.
It depends on the program.
Comprehensive ASEP enrollment is generally processed on a first come, first served basis, as long as space, staffing, and supervision ratios allow.
Specialty Clubs are lottery-based because space is limited.
Language Program enrollment at McKinley only is also lottery-based, with priority given to returning students.
ASEP also operates under SFUSD ExCEL and public funding requirements, which may require priority enrollment for certain student groups, including youth experiencing homelessness, youth in foster care, low-income students, English learners, and students who attend the school site where the program operates.
If a program, grade-level group, or scholarship category has reached capacity, students may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlists are based on available space, staffing, funding requirements, and ASEP’s ability to safely maintain required student-to-staff ratios.
Programs
ASEP offers three main types of programming:
- Comprehensive ASEP
- Specialty Clubs
- Language Enrichment Program (McKinley only)
Comprehensive ASEP is a full-service after-school program that runs from school dismissal until 6:00 PM. Students are picked up at dismissal, provided a snack and supper, and participate in structured programming throughout the afternoon.
The Comprehensive Program includes academic support, theme-based learning, arts enrichment, health and wellness, and PlaySEP (physical education).
Specialty Clubs are optional, fee-based programs that provide focused enrichment opportunities such as art, chess, soccer, STEM, LEGO, martial arts, and digital sound arts. Clubs are separate from Comprehensive ASEP, have limited space, and usually require a separate registration process.
Enrichment is included as part of the Comprehensive Program and provides students with general exposure to a variety of activities. These classes are designed to be fun, hands-on, and exploratory, allowing students to experience different subjects and interests.
Specialty Clubs are optional programs with a more structured and targeted curriculum. Clubs focus on developing specific skills over time, allowing students to build deeper knowledge and experience in a particular area such as art, STEM, sports, music, chess, or performing arts.
Yes. ASEP offers a Language Enrichment Program at McKinley only. The Language Program follows a 50% play-based and 50% literacy-based instructional model and includes options such as Spanish and Mandarin.
Clubs & Registration
Club registration depends on the time of year.
For the Fall semester, families select club preferences as part of the yearly ASEP enrollment packet / ASEP application.
For the Spring semester, ASEP sends out a separate club registration form for returning students to apply.
Because space is limited, placement in clubs is determined through a lottery process.
Since space in clubs is limited, ASEP uses a lottery system to determine placement. This helps create a fair and transparent enrollment process for all interested families.
No. ASEP resets the club lottery each semester so that all interested students—whether they previously participated, were waitlisted, or are applying for the first time—have an equal chance of receiving a spot.
Most clubs meet twice per week for about one hour each session. Some Wednesday clubs meet once per week for a longer block, which gives students a similar total amount of instructional time.
Tuition, Billing & Scholarships
ASEP uses a flat monthly tuition structure during the school year. Tuition is divided across the full school-year billing cycle to provide families with a consistent monthly amount.
Tuition is not prorated for holidays, school breaks, absences, or missed days.
For full details about billing, payment schedules, and policies, please visit the Tuition section on our website.
Invoices are typically sent on the 25th of each month for the following month’s care. Payment is due within 10 days of the invoice date.
Yes. ASEP charges a non-refundable $50 application fee. This fee supports the administrative work involved in processing enrollment.
Yes. ASEP offers scholarship support and reduced tuition options based on financial need and available funding. Scholarships are available in the Comprehensive Program, with limited scholarship support available for some Clubs and Language programming as well.
Families may be asked to submit proof of income or other supporting documentation as part of the scholarship process.
Attendance, ELOP / ExCEL & Daily Operations
ASEP begins immediately after school dismissal and runs until 6:00 PM on regular school days.
In many cases, yes. ASEP operates in partnership with SFUSD ExCEL and public funding sources, including ELOP and other expanded learning grants. Because of these requirements, students in the Comprehensive Program are generally expected to attend the full program day.
Early release is only allowed under approved categories, and ASEP must document the reason and exact time of departure.
Yes. Due to SFUSD funding requirements, scholarship students are expected to remain in program until the required minimum time, which is generally 5:00 PM on school days.
Yes, academic support is part of ASEP programming. At Daniel Webster, students are provided structured homework or reading time. At McKinley, students participate in Math Lab and Literacy Lab activities designed to strengthen foundational skills.
ASEP supports homework and academic growth, but families remain responsible for making sure homework is completed and submitted.
Pick-Up, Walk-Home & Late Pick-Up
Students must be signed out directly with ASEP staff by a parent/guardian or other authorized adult listed on the student’s emergency contacts.
ASEP staff must officially confirm and document the sign-out before a student is released.
Only approved 4th and 5th grade students may walk home independently, and only if ASEP has received and approved a Walk-Home Permission Form with the specific days and times listed.
Walk-home permission applies only to the individual student named on the form. A student may not sign out a sibling.
ASEP closes promptly at 6:00 PM. A late fee of $1 per minute per child will be charged after 6:00 PM.
Continued late pick-ups may result in administrative review and possible discontinuation of child care services.
Food, Safety & Behavior
Yes. SFUSD School Meals provides a daily supper for students enrolled in ASEP programs. Families may also send an additional snack if desired, as long as it follows program safety guidelines.
ASEP expects students to be respectful, responsible, and safe. Staff use positive behavior supports, restorative practices, and structured classroom systems to help students succeed.
ASEP follows a progressive discipline and support process that may include restorative conversations, parent communication, incident reports, support plans, and meetings with families. In more serious situations involving safety, suspension or removal from programming may occur.
Yes. ASEP includes field trips and local excursions as part of programming. Families are notified of scheduled field trips, and all pick-up and drop-off must occur at the school site, not at the field trip location.
Programs |
About Us |
|
