How to Qualify for Extended School Year (ESY) Services

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you may be familiar with the term Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. These meetings are crucial for determining the educational plan for your child, including any necessary accommodations or services. One of the services that may be discussed during an IEP meeting is Extended School Year (ESY) services. In this article, we will explore how a child can qualify for ESY services and what you can do to ensure your child receives the support they need.

What are ESY services?

ESY services are special education services that are provided to students with disabilities beyond the regular school year. These services are designed to prevent significant regression in critical skills and provide support for students to maintain their progress. ESY services may include additional academic instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other related services as outlined in the child's IEP.

Factors considered for ESY eligibility

Several factors are considered when determining if a child qualifies for ESY Services. These factors may include:

• Regression: If a child is likely to lose critical skills during an extended break from school, they may be considered for ESY services.
• Recoupment: The ability of a child to recover lost skills once they return to school is also taken into account.
• Critical skills: If the child is working on developing critical skills that are essential for their educational progress, they may be eligible for ESY services.
• Emerging skills: If the child is at a critical stage of developing new skills, ESY services may be necessary to support their growth.
• Nature of disability: The impact of the child's disability on their ability to make progress in their educational goals is an important consideration.
• Behavioral issues: If a child's behavior significantly affects their ability to learn and maintain progress, ESY services may be warranted.

Tips to help your child qualify for ESY services

As a parent, there are several steps you can take to help ensure your child qualifies for ESY services:

1. Active participation in IEP meetings: Be an active participant in your child's IEP meetings and advocate for the support your child needs. Discuss the possibility of ESY services with your child's IEP team.
2. Document your child's progress: Keep detailed records of your child's progress and any regression they may experience during extended breaks. This information will be valuable during discussions about ESY eligibility.
3. Request evaluations: If you believe your child would benefit from ESY services, request evaluations from the school to assess their eligibility.
4. Collaborate with professionals: Work closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals involved in your child's education to gather information about their needs and progress.

In conclusion

Qualifying for Extended School Year (ESY) services can provide critical support for students with disabilities to maintain their progress and prevent regression in skills. By actively participating in IEP Meetings, documenting your child's progress, requesting evaluations, and collaborating with professionals, you can increase the likelihood of your child qualifying for ESY services. Remember that each child's situation is unique, so it is essential to work closely with your child's IEP team to determine the best course of action for their educational needs.