The Government has confirmed that a summer education programme is to take place for children with significant special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.
It was announced as part of an acceleration of the roadmap to re-open the country.
Education Minister Joe McHugh said it is "a stepping stone" to help some young people ahead of the next school year.
The programme will also be in line with public health guidance.
Minister McHugh said: "The programme will help children to renew relationships, routines and connections with school and with learning and help to support ongoing social development and well-being.
"It gives us an opportunity to provide a vital additional support for some of the children with significant special educational needs and those who have been at risk of educational disadvantage since schools closed in March."
Further engagement will take place with the school sector over the coming week as proposals are finalised.
But it is reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate.
Minister McHugh added: "The focus will be on students and young people with complex needs - including those who live with significant behavioural, social, emotional and sensory difficulties.
"It will be similar to the July Provision of previous years and children with Down syndrome will be included as part of our plans for this summer."
Proposals on this will be brought to Government next week.
Down Syndrome Ireland interim CEO Deirdre Saul welcomed the proposals.
"We are glad that the minister has listened to our concerns and the concerns of parents of children with Down syndrome and acted.
"All children with Down syndrome have complex learning needs and will need support during the summer months to prepare for their return to education.
"Some 1,200 more children with Down syndrome will now be eligible for the programme as a result."
Until now, July Provision has provided access to an extended school year only for children with autism and children with a severe or profound intellectual disability.
