Some students with disabilities need special education services beyond the normal school year. These services are called extended school year (ESY) services and can be provided during any break in the normal school year. Every IEP meeting should include a discussion about ESY, however, not every student who is getting special education services gets ESY.

Your child is eligible for ESY if they:

• Need to attain and maintain self-sufficiency skills (things like toileting, eating, and dressing)
• Are likely to lose ground on their progress towards IEP goals
• Need ESY to make sure they are receiving free and appropriate public education

Some questions you may want to ask about ESY are:

• When will the IEP team determine my child’s eligibility?
• What data will be used to make this determination?
• If my child needs ESY services, what are the options?

Many people think ESY means summer school. Summer school might be right for your child, but there are other options including physical or occupational therapy or assignments to do at home. ESY may also include services during other breaks in the school year. Talk with the IEP team about what the best options are for your child.