Understanding Extended School Year (ESY) Services in Special Education

Mar 24, 2025By Ashley Traylor
Ashley Traylor

What is Extended School Year (ESY) Services?

Extended School Year (ESY) services are special education programs provided beyond the standard academic school year for students with disabilities. These services are crucial for ensuring that eligible students continue to progress in their educational goals, even during breaks. ESY is not simply a summer school program; it is tailored to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities as specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

special education classroom

Criteria for Eligibility

Not every student with a disability qualifies for ESY services. Eligibility is determined based on several criteria, including:

  • Regression and Recoupment: Determining if the student will lose significant skills or knowledge during breaks and if it will take an unusually long time to regain those skills.
  • Emerging Skills: If a student is on the brink of developing a critical skill, ESY can help maintain momentum.
  • Severity of Disability: Students with more severe disabilities may require consistent support to maintain their progress.

How is ESY Different from Summer School?

While both ESY and summer school occur during school breaks, they serve different purposes. Summer school is generally aimed at helping students catch up or get ahead academically, while ESY focuses on maintaining progress for students with disabilities. ESY services are individualized based on the student’s IEP, whereas summer school programs typically have a broader curriculum that is not customized.

student learning

Benefits of ESY Services

The primary benefit of ESY services is the prevention of significant regression of skills gained during the school year. By continuing education over the summer or other breaks, students with disabilities can maintain their academic, social, and behavioral skills.

Additionally, ESY services can provide stability and routine for students who thrive on consistency. This can be particularly important for students who have difficulty adapting to changes in their environment or routine.

How Parents Can Advocate for ESY

Parents play a vital role in the ESY decision-making process. To advocate effectively, parents should:

  1. Understand the eligibility criteria and gather evidence of their child’s need for ESY services, such as data on skill regression.
  2. Communicate regularly with teachers and IEP team members to ensure that all parties are aware of the child’s progress and needs.
  3. Be proactive in discussions about ESY during IEP meetings to ensure it is considered and appropriately documented.
parent teacher meeting

Conclusion

Understanding Extended School Year services is crucial for ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. By providing opportunities for continued learning and skill maintenance, ESY programs play an essential role in the educational journey of many students. Parents, educators, and IEP teams must collaborate effectively to determine eligibility and develop plans that best support each child's unique needs.