Why Now Is the Time to Understand Extended School Year (ESY)

Shanta Callen, M.S.Ed, M.Ed.

Callen and Adams Educational Consulting

As we move into spring and schools begin finalizing IEPs before the academic year ends, families have a critical—but often overlooked—opportunity to advocate for Extended School Year (ESY) services. ESY can be the difference between a child maintaining hard-won skills and starting the next year with a setback. Yet many parents don’t know it exists, or how to tell if their child qualifies.

That’s why we’re honored to share this timely and informative guest post by Shanta Callen, a seasoned advocate and consultant with Callens and Adams. Her piece breaks down what ESY really means, how eligibility is determined, and what parents can do to ensure their child gets the support they need—even when school’s out. If you’re reviewing your child’s IEP right now or thinking ahead to summer, this is a must-read.

As education systems strive to support every student's learning journey, one often overlooked but essential element is the Extended School Year (ESY). Designed to address the needs of students who require continued instruction beyond the typical 180-day school year. ESY services are particularly vital for students with disabilities who may experience significant regression during long breaks (summer break, winter break, spring break). 

What Is Extended School Year? 

Extended School Year refers to special education and related services beyond the regular school calendar. ESY is not summer school; it is individually tailored for students whose Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) determine that additional instruction is necessary to maintain learning progress. 

The primary goal of ESY is to prevent serious skill regression and to ensure that students can recoup lost knowledge within a reasonable time once school resumes. It’s mandated under the  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), meaning that if a child qualifies, the school district must provide ESY services at no cost to the family. 

Who Qualifies for ESY? 

Not all students with IEPs qualify for ESY. Eligibility is typically determined by the IEP team  based on several factors: 

• Regression and Recoupment: Will the student likely lose critical skills during a break,  and how long will it take to regain them? 

• Emerging Skills: Is the student at a crucial point in acquiring a new skill that would be lost without continued instruction? 

• Behavioral Issues: Are there behavioral patterns that could disrupt learning if support is interrupted? 

• Previous ESY Data: Have past experiences shown that the student benefits significantly from year-round instruction? 

Decisions are made case-by-case and must be based on data, not assumptions about disability categories. 

What Does ESY Look Like? 

ESY programs vary widely depending on the student's needs. Services can include: 

• Academic instruction 

• Speech or occupational therapy 

• Social skills training 

• Functional life skills practice 

The format can also vary, from a few hours a week to full-day sessions over several weeks.  Some students might receive one-on-one instruction, while others attend group classes in a traditional or virtual setting.

How to Advocate for ESY 

Parents who believe their child may need ESY should begin discussions early—ideally in late winter or early spring. Come prepared with data, such as: 

• Report cards 

• Progress notes 

• Feedback from teachers and therapists 

It’s also important to ask questions during the IEP meeting and ensure that decisions are documented clearly in the IEP plan.