Are you the parent of a child with a disability who thinks that your child needs an educational program during the summer? Does long summer breaks cause your child with emotional disabilities to regress in behavior? This article will discuss the definition of Extended School Year (ESY), and what services your child may be eligible for.
Extended school year is a term, to describe any special education and related services, which are given outside of the regular school year. School districts are required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to offer extended school year services, if the child needs it to receive a free appropriate public education.
There have been quite a few court cases about ESY, as well as policy letters from state board of educations, and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Check your state board of education for any policy letters on ESY. On February 4, 2003 OSEP released a policy letter that states “A public agency may not limit extended school year services to particular categories of disability, or unilaterally limit the type, amount, or duration of these services.” ESY must be provided to the child, at no cost to the parent.
Children with disabilities can receive a lot of different services during ESY. They can receive educational services (reading, Math, written language), self help skills, functional skills to help them become independent, critical life skills, behavioral interventions, related services (occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy). The list can go on and on. You must keep in mind that, your child must need ESY, in order to receive FAPE.
School districts are supposed to bring up ESY to parents in a timely manner, so that the any disagreements can be resolved at a due process hearing. In my opinion school districts rarely bring it up, unless a parent insists. Make sure that at your child’s annual review ESY is discussed.
By understanding what ESY is and how your child can benefit, will help you advocate for needed services for your child.
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What are the statistics of special education students?I am a teacher of students with emotional disabilities, I am also enrolled in classes since I am on an emergency license. I am doing a project where I need the statistics of special education showing the races of students. So, I need to know the breakdown of each race in special education. I know that information is out there (it just has to be) but I cannot find it. Any help would be very much appreciated!! Thanks!!
About Author
I am the parent of two adults with disabilities and have been an educational advocate for over 15 years. My recently released book "Disability Deception; Lies Disability Educators Tell and How Parents Can Beat Them at Their Own Game" will help parents learn advocacy skills to help their child receive an appropriate education. Check out my Web site at www.disabilitydeception.com