Extended school year (or summer school, as some call it) has its pros and cons. Each parent of a child with special needs must consider his child and family.
1. Extended school year involves a change in routine.
On one hand extended school year provides ongoing routine. The child with special needs must continue to get up and get ready to leave for school. Most likely, the same transportation (mom or the bus) will be used. The child will be accountable to teachers, therapists, and other school staff as he works on IEP goals and objectives. He will get to see friends for socialization.
However, each of the things listed as ongoing routine may or may not be present in the extended school year program. Summer school may start at a slightly different time. Every parent knows that even thirty minutes in a family’s morning routine can result in dramatic changes. Perhaps mom is always the one to get the kids ready during the school year. If summer school starts thirty minutes later, that role may be switched to Dad, an older sibling, or a babysitter.
Often parents find that best friends of their child may not attend summer school. What if your daughter’s best friend (and love of her life) Jason is not going to be in extended school year? Perhaps his family goes to visit extended family every year? Suddenly “school” is not as your child envisioned.
2. Extended school year may involve a change in staff.
The same possible change for classmates is true for staff. Not every teacher or staff member works summer school. The bus driver who has picked up your child every morning the entire school year may not be working in extended school year.
3. Extended school year may involve a change in environment.
Quite often, school districts put all the summer school classes in the same building. It only makes sense that the other buildings can be cleaned, painted, etc. while one building is used for summer school. While this is good planning on the part of school district administration, it may be confusing, frustrating, or overwhelming for the child with special needs.
4. Summer is time for relaxed summer fun.
Some families just don’t want to have a schedule in the summer time. They view summer as time to relax and do lots of fun things. Signing up for yet more school in the summer cramps their style. When considering this point, it is important to discuss the rationale behind extended school year for your child.
5. Extended school year may impact family vacation plans.
Some families feel it is more important to have that family get away. It is not that they are minimizing their child’s education, but sometimes family vacation time must come at the same time as summer school.
As with every aspect of parenting, it is important to consider the unique needs of your child and family.
