Service Categories Explained

Funds awarded through the Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) program (RC 3310.70) may be used for the following secular or nonsecular programs and services:

Before- or after-school educational programs:

• For purposes of ACE expenditures, educational programs must align to academic content standards adopted by the State Board of Education under Ohio Rev. Code 3301.079. Subjects covered by the standards include:

  • English language arts

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Computer Science

  • Physical education

  • Technology

  • Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship

  • Fine Arts

  • Foreign Language

• All educational programs and camps should be able to describe how their program aligns with and meets the academic content standards adopted by the State Board of Education and provide examples of lesson plans that demonstrate alignment. 

• Before- and after-school programs must be in-person, not online.

• Under the ACE program physical education activities cannot be part of a league or organized team, fees paid cannot include the purchase of equipment or uniforms, and fees cannot be used to pay for pay-to-play charges for interscholastic activities. Reasonable fees for equipment rental such as for skis or bowling shoes are permissible.

• Childcare is not allowable expenditures under ACE.

  • Invoices with childcare, aftercare, daycare, etc. are not reimbursable.

  • Supporting information must indicate a fee schedule and eligible program.

• All invoices for Before- or after-school educational programs must include specific dates of service on all invoices. Date ranges are not acceptable.

• Invoicing for Before- or after-school educational programs is limited to no more than a month (30 days) in advance.

• Memberships for clubs or before/after-school programs are not allowable expenditures.

Day camps, including camps for academics, music, and arts:

• ACE funds cannot be used to pay for additional or optional costs associated with overnight accommodation at a camp. 

• Childcare is not allowable expenditures under ACE.

  • Invoices with childcare, aftercare, daycare, etc. are not reimbursable.

  • Supporting information must indicate a fee schedule and eligible program.

• Before- and after-school programs and camps must be in-person, not online.

• Under the ACE program physical education activities cannot be part of a league or organized team, fees paid cannot include the purchase of equipment or uniforms, and fees cannot be used to pay for pay-to-play charges for interscholastic activities. Reasonable fees for equipment rental such as for skis or bowling shoes are permissible.

Note:  Claims for day camps that have been paid for by Parent/Guardian may be reimbursed if the service date occurs through September 1, 2024.
More information about the ACE funds expiration

Curriculum and materials (view details)

• Homeschoolers may purchase:

  • Learning curriculum (including books)

  • Learning materials: consumables i.e. supplies which are consumed, destroyed, or expended by the student in the process of use

  • Manipulatives: physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage students in hands-on learning.

  • Please note that ACE account funds cannot be used for the purchase of electronic devices. 

    • Microscopes with an on/off light bulb, USB containing curriculum, and standard STEM kits specifically designed for educational purposes are allowable.

Educational, learning, or study skills services:

• Programs on organization, time management, note-taking, and the like, where the focus is to develop skills to assist in general learning. Services should be provided by a credentialed provider. 

Field trips to (1) historical landmarks, (2) museums, (3) science centers, and (4) theaters, including admission, exhibit, and program fees:

• Field trips are educational day trips (out and back the same day)

• Overnight exception: Co-curricular trips to Washington, DC (typically 2-3 days) organized by a school.

  • • Co-curricular means the trip takes place alongside what’s being taught at school. For example, the middle school social studies curriculum aligns with educational Washington D.C. trips.  

    • Washington D.C. is the only overnight field trip reimbursable through the ACE program

• • International trips are not field trips and are not allowable expenditures under ACE.

  • The purchase of tickets or services for adults is not an allowable ACE expense.

  • Upgraded memberships may not be reimbursable based on the extras included.
    • Examples include, but are not limited to parking, additional guests, and food
    • You may purchase an upgraded membership and request reimbursement for the standard membership price.

  • Family memberships that include the children’s admission to eligible venues may be an allowable expense.

Language classes:

• Foreign or Sign language classes provided in person or virtual by a credentialed provider.

Instrument lessons:

• Instrument lessons provided in person or virtual by a credentialed provider. Instrument lessons should be one-on-one. 

Tutoring:

•  One-on-one tutoring in specific academic content areas in person or virtual by a credentialed instructor. 

• Beginning September 15, 2023, all invoices for tutoring must include specific dates of service on all invoices. Date ranges are not acceptable.  

• Invoicing for tutoring is limited to no more than a month (30 days) in advance. 

Specific exclusions applied to ACE funds:

• Life skills

• Health

• Holistic development

• Social-emotional programs

• Therapy services

• Consulting services

• Cosmetology

• Counseling services

• Childcare

• Driving school

• Tournaments and competition fees

• Costumes and fees for dance recitals

• Uniforms

• Sports equipment

• League or organized team fees

• Memberships for clubs or before/after-school programs