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Planning Your Summer Support  System Before School Ends

Kids riding bikes outdoors, illustrating planning a summer support system that keeps skills and routines intact before school ends.

Don’t Wait for the June Crash  


The last two weeks of school can undo months of progress if structure disappears overnight. 


Smart families plan supports before report cards drop. 



 Parent Tools You Can Use Today




1️⃣ Make a “Summer Matrix”


Parent and child working together to create a summer matrix, illustrating a hands-on summer support system for kids.

Three columns: Routines / Fun Goals / Supports. 


Example: Breakfast 8 a.m.; Read comic books daily; Weekly library social storytime. 

Post on fridge with pictures.



2️⃣ Confirm ESY (Extended School Year) Decisions


Empty meeting table set for a parent-teacher discussion, illustrating planning and confirming ESY (Extended School Year) decisions for summer support.

Under IDEA § 300.106, students who regress without services are eligible for ESY. 


Ask the IEP team for written data review before final meeting.



3️⃣ Designate “Plan B People”


Sticky notes with names and contacts, illustrating how to designate 'Plan B People' as backup support in a summer support system.

Create a contact list of trusted adults for breaks or emergencies — neighbors, grandparents, 

respite providers. 


Print and store copies in car and wallet.



4️⃣ Mix Choice with Structure


Child enjoying the pool with sprinklers, illustrating how mixing choice with structure supports a balanced summer routine.

Kids need control after a school year of compliance. Offer limited options: “Pool or sprinkler?” 


Autonomy lowers behavioral flare‑ups.



5️⃣ Join a Parent Co‑Op for Survival


Parent browsing online platforms and local advocacy centers, illustrating joining a parent co-op for summer respite and support.

Search Facebook or local disability advocacy centers for summer respite swaps. 


Two hours off equals a new parent.



 Parent Questions


Q: “What if my child loses skills no matter what?”  

A: Document, document, document. August data becomes your evidence for next year’s ESY eligibility.  


Q: “How do I balance siblings who want to ‘just relax’?”  

A: Include everybody in routine building. A ten‑minute daily family meeting lets each member add one fun 

thing. Shared ownership = less whining.



Final Takeaway


Summer doesn’t have to mean starting over. 


A plan plus community keeps skills and sanity intact — for you and your child.


A thoughtful summer support system before school ends ensures kids maintain progress and enjoy summer safely.


References


U.S. Department of Education, OSEP. (2024). Extended School Year (ESY) Fact Sheet.


LifeCourse Tools. (2025). Daily Life and Community Star  Family Goal Planning. 


 
 
 

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