The paper reviews court decisions mandating extended-year programs for students with severe and multiple handicaps for whom regression during the summer break threatens the development of independence and addresses considerations in developing such extended year programs. Guidelines center on eligibility, funding, program focus, program length, beginning dates for assessment and planning, opportunities for integration, staffing considerations, and instructional delivery. The paper stresses the value of maintaining instructional continuity, maximizing instruction, making the best use of available resources, and combining instruction with recreational activities. (CL)