The August Gap: Surviving the Space Between ESY and Back-to-School
If you’re the parent of a child with disabilities, you probably know this stretch of time far too well:
➡️ Extended School Year (ESY) services wrap up in late July.
➡️ School doesn’t start again until the end of August or even September.
➡️ And that gap? That’s what I like to call “special education purgatory.”
It’s too long to coast.
Too short to build structure from scratch.
And just long enough to completely unravel the routine you worked so hard to maintain.
Let’s just say it: this time is hard.
Why the Gap Feels So Heavy
For kids with disabilities—especially those who rely on consistency, predictability, and structured support—this gap can trigger real regression. But even more than that, it triggers parent burnout.
By this point in the summer:
The novelty of unstructured time is gone.
Camp options are scarce (or not a good fit).
Your child’s tolerance for flexible routines is wearing thin.
And let’s be honest: so is yours.
You're supposed to be holding it all together… but you’re also exhausted, running out of ideas, and maybe feeling a little guilty for counting the days until school starts again.
I promise: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing.
A Few Grounding Truths
Your kid isn’t “too much.” The systems just aren’t set up to support kids who need more year-round structure—and that’s not your fault.
You’re allowed to want a break. Wanting a breather doesn’t mean you don’t love your child. It means you’re human.
It’s okay to lower the bar. This is not the time for ambitious Pinterest schedules. This is the time for doing what works (even if it’s the same movie every afternoon).
Practical Tips for the August Gap
🧭 Create a “Loose but Predictable” Routine
You don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule. But anchoring the day with a few consistent check-ins—like a walk after breakfast, lunch at the same time, or a quiet time in the afternoon—can go a long way.
🔁 Lean on Repetition
Kids with disabilities often thrive on familiarity. Revisit favorite activities, books, or sensory games. Repeating the same walk, song, or visual schedule isn’t boring—it’s calming.
🫶 Prep for School… Gently
Practice school routines in low-stakes ways. Try:
Packing a lunch for a picnic
Visiting the school playground
Driving the route to school
Reading social stories about the first day
🙋♀️ Ask for Help (And Take It When Offered)
If a grandparent, neighbor, or babysitter offers support—say yes. Even a one-hour break can help reset your patience and energy.
🧠 Regulate Yourself First
It’s okay to step away, to breathe, to turn on the TV so you can drink a hot coffee in peace. Your regulation matters just as much as your child’s.
What If It’s All Still Too Much?
Then that means it’s time to ask a bigger question:
What support do you need, not just your child?
Whether it’s a coach, a therapist, a group text with other parents who get it—you deserve a place to be honest about how hard this season is.
Because yes, your child may be in a tricky transition right now.
But so are you.
Final Thought
The gap between ESY and the first day of school isn’t just a calendar issue—it’s an emotional one. It asks you to stretch your energy, your creativity, and your resilience beyond what feels reasonable.
You’re not doing it wrong.
It is just that hard.
And you’re doing it anyway.
If you need a little extra support, ideas, or just someone to say “this is normal”—that’s what I’m here for.
💬 Book a free consultation at www.soundshorecoaching.com
Let’s get through this gap together.
