Introduction to Extended School Year Services
For students with special needs, the journey to educational success often requires unique pathways and support systems. One such support is the Extended School Year (ESY) services, which are critical in ensuring that students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Developed by CESA #9 with support from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the ESY services guide provides a comprehensive framework for determining the necessity and implementation of these services.
Understanding the Importance of ESY
ESY services are not merely an extension of the school term; they are essential interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. The services are designed to prevent regression, support recoupment, and maintain critical skills during breaks in the regular school year. According to federal IDEA regulations, ESY services must be available to any child whose IEP team determines that these services are necessary to provide FAPE.
Key Considerations for ESY Services
When considering ESY services, IEP teams must evaluate various factors:
- Regression and Recoupment: Does the student experience significant regression in skills during breaks, and how quickly can they recoup these skills?
- Emerging Skills: Are there critical skills that are just beginning to emerge and could be jeopardized by an interruption in education?
- Severity of Disability: How severe is the student’s disability, and what impact does it have on their educational progress?
- Interfering Behaviors: Are there behaviors that significantly interfere with the student's ability to benefit from education?
Scenarios Highlighting ESY Decisions
Several scenarios illustrate the decision-making process for ESY services:
- Antonio: A second-grader with a significant reading disability showing emerging reading skills, whose progress would be jeopardized by a summer break.
- David: A high-functioning student with Autism, whose self-stimulatory behaviors require ongoing management to facilitate integration into regular classrooms.
- Kathy: A teenager with cognitive disabilities, for whom maintaining independence in daily living skills is critical.
The Role of IEP Teams
The IEP team plays a crucial role in determining the need for ESY services. Decisions are based on a thorough review of the student's progress, potential for regression, and the necessity of maintaining critical skills. The team must ensure that services are individualized, not limited by disability categories, and provided by qualified personnel.
Conclusion
Extended School Year services are a vital component of special education, ensuring that students with disabilities continue to progress and thrive. By carefully considering the individual needs of each student, IEP teams can design effective ESY programs that empower students and support their educational journeys.
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