The decision about ESY instruction is made each year by the IEP team, which includes the parent.
The most common method for determining a child’s eligibility for ESY is regression/recoupment analysis, which considers whether a student would regress if educational services were interrupted for a period of time, and whether it would take a long time to regain the lost skills. However, this is not the only factor the IEP team should use to determine whether a student qualifies. The team must consider other factors, too, such as:
- The severity of the disability.
- The ability of the parents to provide services at home.
- The student’s vocational needs.
- The ability of the student to interact with non-disabled peers.
- Whether the student is on the brink of learning new skills.
ESY services may be provided in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to 1:1 tutoring, related therapies, social skills groups, and practicing skills in the home and community. Whatever the service, it must be provided in accordance with the student’s individualized needs.