1.  Standards.  The commissioner shall establish standards consistent with the basic school approval requirements for after-school programs offered at elementary or secondary schools in the State. In establishing standards for after-school programs, the commissioner may also consider the requirements of the 21st Century Communities Learning Centers program authorized under Title IV, Part B of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 United States Code, Chapter 70.  

2.  Approval.  An after-school program may be offered by a school administrative unit with the approval of the commissioner. The commissioner may inspect an after-school program, after which the commissioner shall approve and grant a certificate to a school that maintains approval standards. The expense of inspection must be paid by the department.