As the school year winds down, many of us, parents and teachers alike, are simply counting the days until summer. I recently overheard a teacher say, “Whatever I need to do to get to June 11th,” and I couldn’t help but relate. We’re all ready for the beach, fireworks, and a break from school routines. But before we fully check out, it’s important to tackle the most critical items on your IEP end-of-year checklist. Taking time now to review your students’ needs and prepare for the next school year can help prevent learning loss and set them up for a smoother, more successful start in the fall.
Determine Extended School Year (ESY) Services
By this point in the school year, most individualized education program (IEP) teams have determined whether the student requires ESY services during the summer to maintain skills for the upcoming school year. If you have not yet had this meeting or new information has come to light indicating the need for ESY, please immediately contact the IEP team to initiate this conversation. Multiple criteria indicate the need for services, and this varies by state. Not all students with IEPs will qualify for ESY, so meeting as an IEP team is essential to determine if your student requires ESY to continue receiving a free and appropriate public education. Some factors that may be considered to decide if your student is eligible include; risk of regression of critical life skills; whether the break in services will put the student’s degree of progress at risk during the school year; if the student’s skills are new and emerging; if the student has significant behaviors that have limited their access to their education during the school year; and if the disability impact is severe enough that a pause in services will have a significant impact. The IEP team will often also consider other unique circumstances of the student’s education.
Review Student Progress Before Summer
The IEP end-of-year checklist should thoroughly review your student’s academic and developmental progress.
Key documents to examine:
- IEP progress reports
- Report cards and transcripts
- Teacher and provider feedback
- Progress in grade-level academic standards
Ask yourself:
- Did my child meet expected goals?
- Were there regressions in key skills?
- Is there data indicating limited progress over time?
- Are there new concerns in specific subjects?
Bringing these questions to your current IEP team ensures you’re working with people who already know your student and can help plan effective next steps.
Why an IEP End-of-Year Checklist Matters Before Summer Break
Transitions are critical to any IEP end-of-year checklist, especially for military families and students moving to new grade levels or school settings.
Common transitions include:
- Pre-K to kindergarten
- Elementary to middle school
- Middle to high school
- High school graduation
- Lower to upper elementary (around 3rd grade)
- Changes in placement to/from self-contained special education classrooms
For military families facing a permanent change of station (PCS):
- Submit a FERPA request now for all school records
- Organize documents using PiP’s Special Education & EFMP Binder for Military Families
- Identify a point of contact at the new school (e.g., counselor or IEP lead)
Gathering this information now helps the receiving school support your child immediately in the fall.
Additional Prep for the Next School Year
Beyond IEP meetings and transitions, these action items are also worth including:
Electives
Double-check elective choices now if your student is entering middle or high school. Schedule changes are hard to make later.
Summer Academic Programs
In addition to ESY, many districts offer academic summer programs to reduce learning loss. Consider whether your student would benefit from additional support or needs a true break to recharge.
Medical Documentation
Health forms and medication authorizations are often available now. Complete them early to avoid delays in August. Summer is also a great time to book annual physicals and sports clearances.
Finish Strong with the IEP End-of-Year Checklist
The end of the school year may feel like a race to the finish line, but taking time to complete your IEP end-of-year checklist can make all the difference. Whether it’s securing ESY services, reviewing academic progress, planning for transitions, or getting ahead on next year’s medical and elective needs, a little proactive effort now can save you time and stress later. These final steps aren’t just about closing out the year. They’re about setting your child up for a confident, supported start to the next one. So before you trade in backpacks for beach towels, take a moment to check off the essentials.
About the Author: Lyzette Turner
Lyzette Turner is a Special Education Advocate who provides support to families through the IEP eligibility process and beyond. She is dedicated to working with families to ensure that their children’s needs are identified and addressed through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, Jeff, a Navy veteran, their three children, and their dog, as well as cats and a turtle.
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