Ugh. There are days I strongly dislike technology… and today is one of them.
I had just started writing about IEP services when WordPress reloaded and deleted my draft. I’m guessing that’s technology’s way of saying, “Don’t write this post.”?
My brain is telling me the IEP info I was working on is important and timely… but my computer is very clearly saying NO.
So what is one to do?
If I displease the technology gods, will the website keep reloading just to prevent me from writing about IEPs?
And if I don’t write about IEPs… will I be letting all the parents and kids down?
Tough decision, right?
…And maybe just a little self-important?
What is a person to do? I could sit here and procrastinate and then write about IEP services… or I can put on my big girl pants and write about IEP services right now.
Funny enough, you readers won’t know which I chose—because either way, a post will appear on my blog…
…eventually.
Here we go, take 2.
But first, my I’m-not-a-lawyer disclaimer:
This post is based on my experience as a parent and trained advocate. I’m sharing general information and perspective—not legal advice. Special education laws and practices can vary, so families should consult their school team or a qualified professional for guidance specific to their child.
For many districts across the state, the school year is winding down. After April vacation, there are roughly six weeks left.
As an advocate, this is the time I would start thinking about Extended School Year (ESY) services for my students.
ESY is a service provided to qualifying students on an IEP who are in danger of losing skills over the summer break.
While all students experience “summer slide,” children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to regress over the summer than their non-disabled peers.
In order to qualify for ESY, students must be at risk of substantial regression and have substantial difficulty recouping those skills. These services are not for students who just need a little extra practice or help catching up after the summer.
For parents who have their annual IEP meeting in the fall, ESY can be a bit of an issue. School districts tend to like to have all services for the year buttoned up when the parent signs the IEP. That is not always possible—nor should it be. Parents retain the right to reconvene the IEP Team if and when a problem arises.
The topic of ESY will come up and be discussed regardless of when the annual IEP meeting occurs. But if the meeting is held in October or November, how is the Team supposed to decide if the student qualifies for ESY?
Since I don’t have a crystal ball—and Magic 8 Balls haven’t proven reliable for questions like this—you don’t.
If the Team determines the student is eligible for ESY, great—sign that IEP and return it quickly. Once it’s signed and returned, the school cannot decide they aren’t going to offer ESY.
I find it very annoying when a school decides a student is ineligible for ESY in October. And it happens more often than it should.
When this occurs, I request that the ESY question be marked “To Be Determined” (TBD). When I receive a copy of the IEP, I make sure the ESY section reflects that request.
A few times, the school has “forgotten” to mark ESY as TBD—and those are usually the same schools that didn’t like the idea in the first place. At that point, it starts to feel less like a mistake and more like something else. But it would be unprofessional to accuse the school of such behavior, so I make a note of it. I want to be sure that I remember this for future IEPs.
Massachusetts special education law does not stipulate the specifics of Extended School Year, but it does state that it has to be individualized and determined by the student’s needs.
Most of the ESY programs that I have encountered are 5-week programs—three days a week for 4 hours a day. There are students who go every day, some go twice a week, and others go for one hour a week.
A student who only needs speech, physical therapy, or occupational therapy would probably go once or twice a week for an hour. Other students who have more significant learning needs would probably go every day for the entire 5 weeks.
Remember, services on the IEP must be data-based, so you have the right to know why your child is not receiving ESY (or any other service). The school must be able to explain—and support—why your student does or does not need a service.
If you believe your child needs ESY, contact the head of the IEP Team and request to reconvene the Team to discuss it.
I know being the parent of a child with special needs is tough. I also know the IEP process and services can be difficult to understand and overwhelming. Whether you found this post or someone else’s blog, article, or video, you are doing something right. You are trying to educate yourself so you can be a better parent and a stronger advocate for your child.
On those days when you feel like you aren’t enough, don’t know enough, or can’t do enough—please know you are, you do, and you can.
The Magic 8 Ball is for entertainment purposes only. If you are struggling with your child’s IEP meetings or services, please contact the appropriate professional.
Turns out the Magic 8 Ball is not a valid way to make IEP decisions. ⭐ If this helped more than a crystal ball, give it a like or share.
IEPs don’t have to feel overwhelming. Follow along for real talk, clear explanations, and practical advocacy tips.
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