If you have a child with an IEP, you may be wondering if they can continue to receive school-based services over the summer.  For some students who meet eligibility, extended services may be an option.

What is ESY?

Extended School Year (ESY) services are available to some IEP-supported students when school is not in session. Although the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) requires schools have ESY services available as needed for students, not all children with IEPs will be eligible. Only those whose IEP team has determined that ESY is needed to meet the child’s right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) are eligible for ESY.

How is eligibility determined?

ESY eligibility will be determined by your child’s IEP team.  The guidelines for ESY eligibility vary from state to state and even from district to district, so it may be helpful to learn how your particular state or district determines eligibility. Although a number of factors are considered when assessing a child for ESY services, regression and recoupment are the most significant.

As the IEP team makes recommendations for ESY, some of the questions asked include:

  • Is the child likely to significantly regress without supports, and will the child be able to recoup any lost learning or skills?
  • Is the child making progress at school now?
  • Has the child demonstrated significant regression and difficulty with recoupment over past school breaks?
  • Are there special circumstances that support the appropriateness of ESY?

Do we need to pay for ESY services?

No, ESY services are part of the mandate to a FAPE and if a student is eligible, will be provided at no cost to students or families.

What if ESY is offered…but we don’t want to do it?

There is no requirement to participate in ESY services.

What if my child is not found eligible, but I think ESY is needed? 

Parents are part of the IEP team. If you believe your child should be found eligible for ESY services and these services are necessary to meet FAPE requirements, you will need to discuss this with the rest of your child’s IEP team.

Remember, you may call an IEP meeting any time! Finding a copy of your state or district’s standards for ESY inclusion would be a good idea. It may also be helpful to request and provide data of past regression and recoupment concerns and other relevant factors as you discuss this as a team.

What if I have more questions, or need help?

You’ve got it! Here at Winston Center, we understand navigating special education services can be challenging at times. We’ve been there and offer advocacy services to help support your family in this journey.