Extended school year (ESY) services are specialized educational supports for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). ESY services provide additional learning support to help them make meaningful progress in their overall academic and social-emotional development.
These services can be delivered outside of the traditional school year, such as during summer months or holidays, and they may include instruction, therapy, assessments, and other activities tailored to the student’s individual needs.
The goal of ESY is to ensure that students with disabilities are able to maintain the skills they have acquired as well as acquire new skills during breaks from traditional instruction. This helps prevent a “summer slide” where a student falls behind due to a lack of support or practice over long breaks. Additionally, ESY services can help in areas such as communication, problem-solving, self-care skills, and behavior modification.
When deciding whether or not a student should receive ESY services, educators consider factors such as the student’s current levels of performance in various areas compared to their peers, their rate of progress on specific goals, any regression/recoupment patterns related to extended breaks from school, environmental factors that may influence learning, and family preferences for their child’s education. The IEP team works together to develop an appropriate plan for each student that meets their specific needs and prepares them for success in their educational setting.
Typically, the decisions about ESY services are made mid-year (January or February) so that the school can line up appropriate coverage and resources for the students who will be receiving services. This means that the IEP team must rely on the data for the first two marking periods to determine whether or not ESY services would be beneficial for the student.
ESY services can help children with disabilities make great strides in their academic and social-emotional development when used properly. By discussing the importance of these specialized supports with parents and outlining objectives that will be addressed through ESY service delivery, teachers can work collaboratively with families to ensure students get the best possible educational experience possible.
When discussing extended school year services with parents, it’s important for teachers to emphasize the importance of ESY and explain how the services will benefit their child. Starting the conversation by outlining specific objectives is a great way to begin. Remember that parents may be hesitant to have their child in more schooling during the summer months, so it is important to give them all of the facts and outline all of the benefits to the extended services.
First, explain what ESY services are and why they’re necessary. Describe in detail how ESY can help children with IEPs stay on track academically and socially while out of school during summer break or other longer breaks. Make sure that parents understand that ESY has been designed to maintain the student’s educational gains, prevent regression, and foster further learning opportunities.
Keeping data to show regression of skills or the need for assistance to maintain skills being taught is super important! Use these sticky note templates, or our Endless Bundle of Data Sheets when you join The Intentional IEP here or by clicking the image above.
Next, discuss any modifications or accommodations that might be necessary for their child’s successful participation in ESY. Highlight the transition strategies that may help their child adjust, such as providing a tour of the facility before the start of the program or having the student meet with key personnel ahead of time. Assure parents that all accommodations and modifications will be tailored to fit their child’s individual needs.
If ESY is to be held at their regular school, let parents know how this will work and show them around the room, if possible, beforehand, so their child feels comfortable.
Teachers should also describe any available support services for students participating in ESY, including counseling, speech, and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Explain how access to these services can provide an added layer of assistance to ensure that their child reaches his or her goals during ESY. Additionally, teachers should address any safety concerns posed by parents. Make sure they understand that ESY programs are designed to ensure a safe and secure environment for students.
Finally, discuss the ESY schedule with parents to ensure that there is ample time available for their child to receive adequate instruction. Explain any extracurricular activities or field trips that may be included in ESY services, as well as any modifications that are necessary for their participation.
By covering all of these important points when discussing ESY services with parents, teachers can ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the program and what it entails. This ensures that the extended school year programs run smoothly and provide an optimal learning experience for each student involved.
Be sure to check out the ESY trainings and resources in the Intentional IEP Membership site for more information! Not a member of The Intentional IEP yet? Join here!
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