What Is Extended School Year (ESY): Helping Students Stay on Track Over the Summer

School may pause for summer, but for some students, learning and growth need to keep moving forward. Extended School Year (ESY) services are designed to bridge the gap between school years ensuring that students with special needs continue receiving the support they rely on, especially from occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

At AOT, we’re proud to provide school-based therapy services to support ESY programs across Pennsylvania.

What Is ESY?

ESY, or Extended School Year, is an extension of a student’s special education services into the summer months. It’s not a one-size-fits-all program. It’s tailored specifically for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who might experience regression in key skill areas during long school breaks.

The IEP team decides whether a student qualifies for ESY, considering factors such as the likelihood of skill loss, how long it would take to recover those skills, and the student’s ongoing needs.

Why ESY Matters

For students who benefit from consistent intervention, summer breaks without support can mean lost progress and frustration. By continuing related services through ESY, we can help preserve the gains made during the school year and give students a stronger, more confident start in the fall.

Plus, therapists have the opportunity to focus on one goal to maintain during ESY; being creative in a summer themed, student-centered environment.

School-Based Therapy Careers with AOT

Our team at AOT supports therapists who are passionate about making a difference during ESY. We provide flexible scheduling, placement support, and access to a collaborative, experienced community of professionals.

Whether you’re a seasoned school-based therapist or looking to explore ESY opportunities for the first time, AOT makes it easy to step into a role that’s both meaningful and manageable.

👉 Explore our ESY therapy openings
👉 Learn more about how to Build your Career