ESY
Extended School Year
ESY services are special education and related services provided to an eligible student with a disability beyond the normal school year, at no cost to the parent, when the IEP team determines ESY is necessary to provide FAPE (34 CFR §300.106). Eligibility is individually determined — most states apply a "regression-recoupment" analysis, though federal courts have rejected bright-line rules (Johnson v. Independent School District No. 4, 921 F.2d 1022 (10th Cir. 1990)).
Regulatory Citation
Example in Practice
A student with autism demonstrates substantial regression in communication skills over the prior winter break that required 6 weeks of instruction to recoup. The IEP team determines ESY services across summer to prevent regression that would impede progress toward annual goals.
Key Research Citations
- ·Etscheidt (2002, J Disability Policy Studies 13(1):38-46) — ESY eligibility criteria analysis
Full bibliography available on the Research page.
This glossary entry is educational. It is not legal or clinical advice. Consult a qualified attorney or licensed clinician before making decisions that rely on this summary.