Examiner.com

Extended School Year (ESY) services are designed to provide special education beyond the regular 180-day school year to Leon County students with disabilities. Be aware that while the Leon County school district is required to have ESY services available, they aren't required to provide this additional support to every student with disabilities. Your IEP team -- which, remember, includes YOU -- will make the determination whether or not your child needs ESY services.

The most common reason to indicate ESY services on your child's IEP is a concern that your child might regress over the summer holidays. The observations of teachers, therapists and parents will be taken into account, as well as any recent testing or assessments.

Take a look at how well or poorly your child responded to other school breaks. Did behavior or skills academics regress previously?

Is your child at a critical stage in mastering an important life skill -- potty training, handwriting, dressing, etc. -- and a break in services might result in a step backward?

Based on the team's assessment, a child's ESY services could include all the same services he or she received during the school year -- or one or more of those services that are singled out as essential to preventing regression.

ESY services might take place at the student's current school, a different school in Tallahassee or a different professional location deemed appropriate by the IEP team. Transportation can be provided, and if needed, should be indicated on the IEP.

If a parent requests ESY services but the IEP team determines that the services are not required, the parent can request an additional IEP meeting or meet with the exceptional student education administrator in the school district office. If a resolution can't be found, the parent can then request free mediation, a due process hearing or both.

For more information, see the “Summary of Procedural Safeguards for Students with Disabilities,” which is provided prior to IEP meetings. It is also available from the Clearinghouse Information Center at 850-488-1879; fax: 850-487-2679; email: cicbiscs@mail.doe.state.fl.us.

Extended Year Services aren't necessarily the best choice for every student. Going to a new school, meeting with potentially new therapists or teachers, adjusting to a new schedule, is harded for some students than others.  Speak frankly with your child's IEP team about your concerns so that you can plan the best summer possible for your family.