As we step into May, Extended School Year (ESY) services await us once again. ESY offers invaluable support to students, ensuring they maintain essential skills during the summer break. Students who show regression or difficulty recouping skills over an extended break may qualify for ESY services. It's time to strategize and plan for your students' ESY journey for 2024.

Embrace the STAR Approach for ESY Success

STAR Autism Support provides tailored professional development for you and your colleagues as you prepare for ESY. You can schedule sessions for this summer or plan ahead for 2025 with STAR support. Our innovative ESY programs offer a dynamic rotation format that optimizes learning experiences for both educators and students. Mornings are dedicated to classroom sessions led by your STAR training specialist, followed by enriching professional development workshops in the afternoons. This holistic approach ensures that teachers gain valuable insights, refine instructional techniques, and leave with a concrete action plan tailored to their classrooms. Meanwhile, students receive high-quality instruction rooted in evidence-based practices, setting them up for success in the summer and beyond.

Prepare Your ESY Special Needs Classroom With Ease

As you gear up for ESY, check out these considerations to set the stage for success in your classroom.

• Mirroring the familiar school-year environment is an important process.
  Arrange your classroom to resemble typical learning spaces, complete with areas for one-on-one and small-group instruction. Integrate environmental and visual supports that students are accustomed to, and maintain consistent routines. Use our STAR and Links Classroom Materials Wish List (English | Español) to gather materials for the summer.
• Consistency is key when it comes to schedules.
  Ensure clarity and predictability by utilizing clear and consistent schedules, drawing inspiration from our primary (English | Español) and secondary (English | Español) ESY schedule templates.
• Aligning ESY with Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is essential for maximizing effectiveness.
  Leverage our free IEP alignment charts (STAR: English and Español | Links: English and Español) to seamlessly integrate specific goals with our curricula and ensure a cohesive learning experience for your students.
• Summer should be a time for fun and learning!
  Explore engaging summer life skills activities that make ESY enjoyable for all involved. Check out our Safety Sorting (English | Español) activity to practice summer safety skills.