Extended School Year (ESY) services and programs are important specialized educational and related services provided to students with disabilities beyond the typical K-12 school year. These services and programs are delivered during breaks such as summer, winter, or other school vacations. Unlike traditional summer school or enrichment programs, which are generally optional and open to most students, ESY services and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. These services are essential for preventing the regression of skills and ensuring continuous progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ESY is a critical component of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which all students with disabilities are entitled to receive.
To help you better understand the role of Extended School Year (ESY) services and programs in supporting students with disabilities, we’ve outlined key information such as how they are determined, and the benefits they provide to both students and schools.
How are ESY Services Determined and Delivered?
The decision to provide ESY services is a collaborative process, generally involving careful consideration of multiple factors, including but not limited to:
- The student’s current academic and functional performance, strengths, needs, and interests.
- The student’s annual IEP goals, how progress is measured, and expected outcomes.
- The student’s rate of progress, and the likelihood of regression or difficulty in regaining skills during breaks.
- The student’s critical or emerging skills, especially those vital for their independence or transition to future educational or life goals.
- The nature and severity of the student’s disability and its impact on learning and functioning.
- The views and preferences of the student, their parents, teachers, and other relevant professionals.
The student’s IEP team, which includes the student, parents, teachers, and other educational professionals, is responsible for determining whether ESY services are necessary. Importantly, this decision should be based on data and evidence, rather than the severity of the disability, resource availability, or school convenience. This decision must be documented in the IEP and reviewed annually (or more often if necessary) to adjust for any changes in the student’s needs or progress. Additionally, the IEP team must decide on the type, frequency, duration, and location of ESY services, ensuring they align with the student’s goals and are provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE) suitable for the student.
Why are ESY Services Important for Students and Schools?
ESY services are vital for both students and schools for several key reasons:
For Students:
- Retention and Generalization of Skills: ESY helps students retain and apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the regular school year.
- Prevention of Regression: These services reduce the likelihood that students will lose skills or experience behavioral setbacks during school breaks.
- Quicker Skill Recovery: When school resumes, students who receive ESY services are able to recover their skills more quickly and easily.
- Acquiring New Skills: ESY provides students with the opportunity to learn or master critical skills that may be essential for their current or future educational needs.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: By maintaining progress and achieving new goals, students build self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-advocacy skills.
For Schools:
- Equitable Education: ESY helps schools ensure that all students, regardless of disability, receive a high-quality and equitable education.
- Continuity and Consistency: ESY fosters a consistent learning environment, promoting collaboration among educators, students, and families.
- Proactive Approach: By addressing students’ needs early, ESY encourages a preventive approach to educational intervention.
- Compliance with Legal Obligations: ESY supports schools in meeting their legal obligation to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), as mandated by IDEA.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Extended School Year (ESY) services are essential supports designed to help students with disabilities maintain progress on their IEP goals during breaks in the regular school year. Unlike traditional summer school or enrichment programs, ESY is specifically focused on preventing skill regression and ensuring that students continue to make meaningful academic and functional progress. Determining the need for ESY services is a collaborative process involving the student’s IEP team, and the services provided must align with the student’s unique needs and goals. Ultimately, ESY services benefit both students and schools by promoting continuous learning, skill retention, and the achievement of educational milestones, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the full benefits of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
