Tuesday Tips: Criteria for Extended School Year (ESY)
What are extended school year (ESY) services?
Extended School Year (ESY) services extend beyond the typical school year to support students requiring additional assistance to achieve significant educational milestones. These services are meticulously tailored to align with the distinct goals and objectives outlined in your child's individualized education program (IEP). It's crucial to note that ESY services differ from mere extensions of school time, automatic summer school placements, or enrichment programs.
What are the criteria for eligibility for ESY?
The criteria for determining eligibility for Extended School Year (ESY) services include the following:
Regression/Recoupment: If a student is likely to lose critical skills or fail to recover these skills within a reasonable time, they may be eligible for ESY services. The likelihood of regression or a lengthy recoupment period, either of which would jeopardize the student's ability to make educational progress, is sufficient to establish eligibility. NOTE: It is not necessary for a student to actually regress or take a long time to recoup skills before being determined eligible for ESY services.
Degree of Progress towards IEP Goals & Objectives: If a student is making very slow progress towards their IEP goals, they may need ESY services in order to continue making progress.
Emerging Skills/Breakthrough Opportunities: If a child is in a critical stage of developing a skill, such as reading, and a lengthy summer break could cause significant problems, they may be eligible for ESY services.
Interfering Behavior: If a child's behavior interferes with their ability to benefit from special education, they may be eligible for ESY services.
Nature or Severity of the Disability: The nature and severity of the child's disability are key factors in the ESY eligibility determination. Children with severe disabilities are more likely to be involved in ESY programs.
Special Circumstances: Special circumstances that interfere with a child's ability to benefit from special education, such as illness, surgery, or other personal circumstances, may make the child eligible for ESY services.
Learn more here: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Extended School Year
or here: WrightsLaw: Standards for Extended School Year (ESY)
