What are extended school year services (ESY)?

Extended school year services (ESY) are designed to provide educational support beyond the traditional school year, particularly during summer months or other breaks, to help students with disabilities maintain their skills and avoid regression. This is particularly important for students who may struggle to retain information and skills learned during the school year, as extended breaks can negatively impact their progress.

ESY services are individualized and based on the unique needs of each student, as determined by their Individualized Education Program (IEP). They focus on maintaining or improving skills rather than providing enrichment, which distinguishes them from regular summer enrichment programs.

Other options do not capture the essence and purpose of ESY. They either misrepresent the target student population, suggest a focus on standardized testing, or imply that these services are for advanced students only. The focus of ESY is specifically on preventing regression in skills for students with disabilities, ensuring they can continue to make progress in their education.