After-School Push Poses Complex Challenge

California’s experience shows hurdles states may confront when moving to implement popular, ambitious programs.

While nearly 2,000 new after-school programs are operating throughout California as a result of new funding approved by voters five years ago, school districts face significant challenges in finding enough qualified personnel to meet the demand and coming up with enough money to fulfill a requirement that they match state funding.

“The whole country is really watching what’s happening here, because we have made such a big investment,” said Jennifer Peck, the executive director of the Bay Area Partnership for Children and Youth, an Oakland-based nonprofit organization that supports after-school programs in low-income communities.

One hurdle confronting California cities and school districts is hiring hundreds of new employees for part-time positions that...