The most common factor in determining whether a child needs an extended school year, or ESY, is the regression/recoupment calculus. If a child would regress during the summer in either the academics or skills learned or currently emerging, because of a gap in education and related services, or if recovering the skills at the level previously demonstrated would take so long it would prevent further progress in the coming school year, then an ESY should be provided. But regression/recoupment is not the only factor that should be considered. Additional factors include:
Vocational needs.
- Availability of alternative resources.
- Behavioral and physical problems.
- Ability to interact with non-disabled children and advance social skills.
- Whether ESY is an extraordinary service given the child’s needs.
- Educational structure at home.
- Specific areas of curriculum needing attention.
- Whether the child is at an emerging state of a skill critical to his or her self-sufficiency.
ESY decisions can be imperative to your child’s educational and developmental progress. For more information on how to exercise and protect these rights, contact us. You may also use the contact form on our firm’s website to schedule a free workshop at your school or organization.
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Hinkle, Fingles & Prior attorneys are available to speak to your organization or constituents on a wide variety of relevant disability topics.