ESS Program Overview

The Extended Student Services (ESS) Program extends Poway Unified School District's educational program into the hours before and after school, and during school vacations. ESS provides a comprehensive program of developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities. Skills are developed in the following areas:

Cognitive Development:   homework assistance, science experiments, arts and crafts projects, cooking, gardening, and computer-assisted learning;

Physical development: small and large motor skills, sports, non-competitive games, and playground use: and,

Social-emotional development: cooperative learning, group participation, conflict resolution, peer interactions.

ESS provides time, space, encouragement and support for learning.  ESS centers are located at all elementary schools. Each program is supervised by staff members trained in child development. Students enroll in the program on a full-time basis. Centers are open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Program Overview  
This extended-day program extends the excellence of each child's school experience into before and after school.

ESS is staffed by highly-qualified professionals and trained instructional assistants. The staff provides for the academic and social needs of children in safe and nurturing environments. There is time, space, encouragement, and support for learning good study habits.

Program Activities
The program is geared toward expanding each child's world through arts and crafts projects, science activities, reading and language arts reinforcement, and math concept development. The program reinforces the social, motor, and academic skills children learn in the classroom. An opportunity is provided for each child to complete homework assignments.

Program History
The ESS program began in 1980 and is now offered in every elementary school in the Poway Unified School District. All children who attend elementary school in the District are eligible for enrollment.

Program Operations
The ESS program operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at schools that start at 8:45 a.m. and later. There is no ESS at schools that start at 7:45 a.m. Those campuses are open starting half an hour before school starts. Please refer to the current ESS calendar for schedule of operation.

Summer Program
A very intensive summer program is offered. It includes numerous extended learning opportunities provided throughout the community. Field trips, special interest clubs, guest speakers, and special events are scheduled.