With the end of the school year quickly approaching, now is the time to make sure your student’s Education Plan is updated and in place.  For many parents, this means reviewing the student’s program, meeting for an IEP to make sure all goals are being met and to see if your child would qualify for the Extended School Year (ESY) program.

Extended School Year programs provide children with disabilities supportive and nurturing educational environments where they can work towards their academic, social-emotional and behavioral goals.  Every state and county has its own ESY program, some range from just a few days, others to most of the summer.  That being said, ESY program services should be provided free of charge to the parent in order to meet the child’s goals and provide them with a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

What Are The Eligibility Requirements?

Since every county and state have their own rules, there is no one rule of thumb to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.  For example, in California, there is an entire section of the law about Extended School Year Services (5 CCR 3043).  The California regulation states that those who:

  1. Are placed in special classes or centers; or
  2. Are individuals with exceptional needs whose individualized education programs (IEP) specify an extended year program as determined by the individualized education program team

How Long Does The ESY Program Last?

Since each state and county have different rules, it’s important to consult with your IEP team to find out how long the ESY program may last for.  For example, the extended school year program in California must provide for a minimum of 20 instructional days (including holidays).  California has also capped the instructional days at 55 for severely handicapped and 30 instructional days for all other eligible pupils.

 

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