MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin: Extended School Year Services

The purpose of this technical assistance bulletin is to support Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, which includes parents, in understanding the purpose of, and determining eligibility for, extended school year services in Maryland. Extended school year (ESY) services are a component of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Some students will need individualized services provided beyond the regular school calendar to enable them to maintain skills on specific goals and objectives and assist them in progressing on those goals within the IEP cycle. ESY services are necessary when the benefits a child with a disability gains during the regular school calendar will be significantly jeopardized if the child is not provided with an educational program during regular school breaks. All students who have IEPs must be considered for eligibility for ESY services in order to receive a FAPE.