Extended School Year Services

Program Coordinator: Christine Rostedt

 

Extended School Year (ESY) services are special education and related services provided beyond the regular school year for eligible students with disabilities. ESY is an individualized service designed to help students maintain critical skills identified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and support continued educational progress.

 

Unlike traditional summer programs that may focus on enrichment or academic reinforcement, ESY services are determined by a student's Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee based on individual needs. The committee reviews student data to determine whether services beyond the regular school year are necessary to support the maintenance of critical skills and meaningful progress toward IEP goals.

 

Eligibility for ESY is considered annually and is not based on a specific disability category. The ARD Committee considers factors such as the potential loss of important skills during extended school breaks, the amount of time needed to regain those skills, and the impact that regression may have on the student's overall educational progress.

ESY services are individualized and may include specialized instruction, related services, and transportation when necessary. Any services provided during ESY are documented in the student's IEP and are directly connected to the student's educational goals.

 

At NEISD, parents are valued members of the ARD Committee and play an important role in the consideration of ESY services. The district is committed to collaborating with families to ensure students receive the supports needed to maintain critical skills and continue making meaningful progress throughout the year.