Does my child qualify for extended school year (ESY)?

Quick answer

Extended school year services, or ESY, are special education and related services provided beyond the normal school year when a child is likely to regress significantly in skills and recoupment would take a long time. ESY is based on individual data, not on disability category alone.

What this means for parents

Many parents hear no summer services without a real ESY analysis. Regression and recoupment are the key ideas.

• ESY can include academics, speech, OT, behavior supports, or other IEP services.
• Teams should look at progress data, regression after breaks, and time to regain skills.
• ESY decisions should be made before the end of the school year, not after summer starts.
• ESY is not limited to certain disabilities and is not a reward for good behavior.
• Transportation and related aids may be part of ESY when needed for access.

Questions to ask about ESY

Bring data from winter break, long weekends, or past summers if you have it.

1. What regression data does the team have after school breaks?
2. How long does it take my child to recoup lost skills in [area]?
3. What ESY services are recommended, and for how many weeks or hours?
4. Where will ESY happen, and who will provide the services?
5. If ESY is denied, what reasons and data will the school provide in writing?

Simple parent script

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming ESY is automatic for every child with an IEP.
• Waiting until June to raise ESY when decisions should happen earlier.
• Not tracking regression after routine breaks.
• Accepting a generic summer program that does not provide IEP services.
• Confusing ESY with compensatory services for past missed sessions.

When to get more help

Consider getting help when the school denies ESY without data, your child regresses severely each summer, or you need help gathering regression and recoupment evidence for the team.