For Some, The School Year is Not Over

Educators will tell you that all children experience a predictable “summer slide” in skills like reading and math. Typically, these skills are re-learned within the first few weeks of school. But for those children with complex disabilities such as Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities and autism, time off from school can mean serious regression. For these children, Extended School Year (ESY) may be needed. Through ESY, students receive special education and related services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy throughout the summer months so that when the school year begins in the fall, the time needed to recoup lost skills is not as long. Through the continued structure and routine of school, children also maintain the behavioral, social, and emotional gains they made.

While most teachers look forward to a summer out of the classroom, those who teach children with complex disabilities cannot. As a veteran educator and school leader for 40 years, I want to thank the teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals and therapists who dedicate their life’s work to helping children with disabilities who need them all year. You truly make a difference.

Dr. Geraldine Gibbia

Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Phoenix Center

About The Phoenix Center: Founded in 1991, The Phoenix Center serves roughly 150 students from 62 districts and eight New Jersey counties. The Phoenix Center is a state-approved, nationally-accredited, not-for-profit school serving the educational, behavioral and therapeutic needs of students ages five through 21 with multiple disabilities, behavioral and intellectual disabilities, and autism. The Phoenix Center’s customized programs are anchored in a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model. Students are placed at The Phoenix Center by their local school district, and attend at no cost to parents.

For more information go to http://www.thephoenixcenternj.org or call (973) 542-0743.