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Extended School Year (ESY) Services
The Committee on Special Education (CSE) must determine whether a student requires Extended School Year (ESY) special education services in order to prevent substantial regression. Decisions about ESY eligibility and programming are made at the student’s CSE annual review meeting where regression data is reviewed and considered.
The program is offered 4 hours a day over 6 weeks (30 days) during the months of July and August, and includes both breakfast and lunch. The building location may vary and is determined on an annual basis.
A student’s need for ESY service is made on an individual basis by the Committee on Special Education. Students are eligible for special education services only if they demonstrate substantial regression of previously learned skills during the long summer break. The services for the summer may differ from those provided during the 10-month program. In fact, services for the summer must focus on only those areas or goals in which substantial regression is expected. Students must be considered for extended school year if they are:
- students in special classes whose management needs are determined to be highly intensive;
- students in special classes with severe multiple disabilities whose programs consist primarily of habilitation and treatment;
- students with highly intensive special education needs who are receiving home/hospital instruction;
- students whose needs are so severe that they can be met only in a residential program, and
- students receiving special education services, who, because of their disabilities, demonstrate the need ESY provided in a structured learning environment to prevent substantial regression.
Related services
Related Services may include Occupational Therapy (OT) , Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Language Therapy, Social Work Counseling (SW) and Nursing Services. The frequency of recommended services may not be the same as those provided during the school year, as extended school year services are intended to support students in maintaining specific skills already taught during the regular school year. Students may receive related services individually, in small group ratios or through a consultation.
Special classes
Special classes offer a variety of staffing depending on the intensity of a students academic and/or management needs. Special class sizes may range from 6 to 15 students and staffing would include 1 special education teacher and up to 4 teaching assistants. Each student's educational needs are unique; thus, specially designed instruction and related services may vary greatly between students.
Additional information
When will Extended School Year (ESY) programming occur?
Programs and services are provided for 6 weeks (30 days) during the months of July and August.
If my child qualified last year for 12-month programming, or ESY will services be provided this year?
Not necessarily. Each year eligibility for 12-month programming is reviewed at the student’s Committee on Special Education Annual Review Meeting. Students often make considerable progress and may not experience significant regression in the same areas year to year.
What if the parent disagrees with the decision of the CSE regarding the child’s eligibility for 12-month programming?
The first contact should be with the Special Education Office to discuss the concern. Parents have the legal right to request mediation or utilize their due process rights.
How is substantial regression determined?
Substantial regression is based on assessment information and teacher documentation occurring over a period of instructional review that is equal to a period of no instruction. For example, a period of 2 weeks of instructional review is necessary to return to a skill level following a 2 week period of no instruction. As a guideline for determining eligibility, a review period of 8 weeks or more would indicate that substantial regression has occurred.
Must the IEP for the ESY program be identical to the IEP developed for the school year?
No, the IEP for ESY may differ from the IEP developed for the school year. The CSE determines the type and frequency of services the student needs for an appropriate extended school year program. The IEP for Extended School Year should focus only on the areas in which the student is expected to experience regression.
Is ESY attendance compulsory?
No, attendance in ESY is not mandatory or compulsory.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes.
Is there a nurse on site?
Yes.
If you have any questions, please contact our Special Education Department at 518-475-6150.
For additional resources and regulatory guidance, you can visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) website.
