ESY: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Child

by Shaylin McGuire - Law Clerk, Rankin Legal

Extended School Year (ESY) services offer continued learning for eligible students with IEPs. Services include special education and related services that are provided beyond the typical school year. In some cases, breaks in the school year can result in loss of skills for students with disabilities. ESY services help students maintain their skills and continue working on goals. These services are offered by public schools during the summer at no cost, and transportation may be provided if the student requires it.

ESY must be considered annually for students with IEPs, but eligibility can vary depending on your child’s disability. The student’s IEP team considers various factors, such as the severity of the student’s disability, regression, and the progress the student has made on IEP goals. The IEP team also considers information provided by teachers, parents, or other individuals who work closely with the student.

Students with severe disabilities, known from case law as the “Armstrong Group,” are still evaluated by the school to determine ESY eligibility. The Armstrong Group, established in a 1979 federal case, applies to students with severe disabilities such as Autism, Serious Emotional Disturbance, Severe Intellectual Disability, etc. However, the IEP team for these students must meet no later than February 28 of each school year to determine ESY eligibility. A Notice of Recommended Educational Placement must be issued to parents by March 31, specifying ESY eligibility and program specifics. ESY determinations for students who are not in the Armstrong Group are not subject to that same timeline, but determinations must be made in a timely manner.

If you have questions about ESY, contact your child’s IEP case manager. For legal concerns relating to ESY, Rankin Legal offers a complimentary 30-minute consultation that can help you navigate options.