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Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research

May 2025 Newsletter | ESY Essentials: Stay on Track This Summer

HomeMay 2025 Newsletter | ESY Essentials: Stay on Track This Summer

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ESY Essentials: Stay on Track This Summer  

The school year may be winding down, but for many students, the learning continues through Extended School Year (ESY) services! ESY is a vital support for students who are at risk of losing important skills over the summer break. When students show signs of regression or need extended time to recoup skills, ESY services can be a great solution. Now is the time to get ready for summer 2025 and set your students up for success!

ESY with STAR

Get Ready for ESY With STAR

Looking to enhance your ESY program? STAR Autism Support offers customized professional development designed for summer sessions. Whether you're planning for this year or preparing ahead for 2026, our specialists can meet your team’s needs.

Our ESY support model includes an innovative rotation format that blends direct classroom instruction in the morning with focused professional development in the afternoon. Educators work alongside STAR training specialists during the day, gaining hands-on experience and insights—all while students benefit from structured, evidence-based instruction. In the afternoons, teachers reflect, plan, and build new skills. This holistic approach ensures that teachers gain valuable insights, refine instructional techniques, and leave with a concrete action plan tailored to their classrooms.

two students outside

Plan Ahead for Summer Success

To make the most of ESY, it’s essential to keep routines, strategies, and environments familiar for students. Here are a few best practices to guide your preparation:

  • Settings: Create classroom environments that reflect the school year setup, including small-group and one-on-one spaces and familiar visual supports and routines. Our STAR and Links Classroom Materials Wish List (English | Español) can help you plan and gather the materials you need for a successful summer.

  • Schedules: Consistency is key. Use clearly structured daily schedules that align with what students are used to. Need a structured tool to get started? Check out our primary (English | Español) and secondary (English | Español) ESY schedule templates!

  • IEP Connections: Ensure your ESY instruction is aligned with students’ IEP goals. Our IEP alignment charts (STAR: English and Español | Links: English and Español) help you match curriculum and materials with individual student needs.

  • Make It Fun: Add a little summer fun to learning! Summer-themed activities keep students engaged while they learn life skills. Try this simple lemonade recipe with your students (English | Español) this summer! Our curricula have summer-themed resources for students at every level!

If you’re a Media Center subscriber, don’t forget to explore our ESY resource suite! You’ll find everything from sample schedules and curriculum supports to independent work tasks to help make your ESY smooth and successful.

Ready to connect with us for support? Our program can be implemented alongside ESY services and is tailored to fit any district’s needs.