Summer break sounds like a dream for most kids — sleeping in, swimming, and no homework in sight. But for some children, a long break from school can mean losing important skills they worked hard to build.
That’s where Extended School Year (ESY) services come in. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), ESY could be a key piece of their support — especially if they need ongoing help to stay on track.
Here’s what every parent should know.
What Is ESY?
Extended School Year (ESY) is special education support provided beyond the regular school year for students who need extra help to maintain their skills.
It’s not the same as summer school. Summer school is for enrichment or credit recovery, while ESY is about keeping the progress your child already made.
These services are part of your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Who Qualifies?
ESY isn’t automatic. The IEP team — including you — decides if it’s necessary based on data and observation.
Your child might qualify if they:
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Lose key skills during school breaks
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Take a long time to relearn those skills
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Are just starting to master something important
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Need consistent structure to stay stable or independent
If breaks make it harder for your child to keep up, ESY can help fill that gap.
What Does ESY Look Like?
ESY doesn’t always mean a full summer program. It can look different for every child:
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Short learning sessions or therapy over the summer
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Small-group or one-on-one instruction
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Home-based learning activities
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Continued behavioral or social support
The goal is simple: help your child hold on to what they’ve learned so they start the next school year strong.
Why ESY Matters
Without ESY, some children may lose ground and spend weeks re-learning old skills each fall. With ESY, they can stay confident, steady, and ready to learn.
Benefits include:
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Less frustration and stress at back-to-school time
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Smoother transitions between school years
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Stronger long-term progress
Think of ESY as a bridge that keeps your child moving forward instead of slipping backward.
What Parents Can Do
If you think your child might need ESY:
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Start the conversation early — bring it up at your child’s spring IEP meeting.
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Ask about data — how does the school measure skill loss or progress?
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Share your insights — you see your child every day and know what changes during breaks.
The Bottom Line
Extended School Year isn’t “extra school.” It’s essential support for kids who need consistent learning to keep their progress going.
If you’ve noticed your child struggling after school breaks, talk to your IEP team. ESY could be the key to keeping their confidence — and their skills — growing all year long.
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