The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team should consider the student’s need to receive services beyond the typical school year. This is called Extended School Year (ESY). The need for ESY services must be considered for every student with a disability at each IEP meeting.
What is ESY and how do I get it for my child?
Extended School Year services must be provided if the IEP team determines that such services are necessary for the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to the student. ESY is an individual decision and can’t be based on the type of disability or classroom placement.
Who decides if my child qualifies for ESY?
ESY should be discussed at every IEP meeting. There must be at least one current IEP annual goal where significant concerns exist regarding skill maintenance during a break in services. A goal area of concern should represent skills essential to the progress of the student. A student may be determined to need ESY services due to:
1) A serious potential for regression of skills beyond a reasonable period of recoupment;
2) The nature or severity of the disability; or
3) Critical stages or areas of learning.
- IEP Team Consideration of the Need for Extended School Year Services (includes worksheet)
- Michigan ESY Standards
- Michigan Guidance for ESY Standards
Once you understand the procedure for determining ESY, it’s just like every other IEP decision. The team looks at the data available and makes an individualized decision. All members of the IEP team should have access to the data being used to discuss ESY services.
What if I disagree with the school’s decision?
Parents have the right to disagree with decisions that the school system makes. When parents have a special education concern, several dispute resolution options are available to address and resolve the disagreement. Issues can often be resolved informally at a classroom or school level, but more formal complaint options are available.
