Extended School Year Services: A Consumer Perspective on Implementation

Abstract

The status of extended school year (ESY) services was assessed through a national survey of the chapters of the National Society for Children and Adults with Autism (NSAC). The results of the 66 NSAC chapters that responded were compared with previous research that surveyed state and local education agencies about ESY implementation. Although the availability of ESY programs appears to be increasing, public officials and consumers differ in their perceptions of the methods and criteria employed by states to implement ESY services. Differences among states were evident with regard to the operationalization of various aspects of ESY such as eligibility criteria and length of programs.