Child Find

The Child Find mandate requires schools/districts to identify and evaluate all children with disabilities from birth through age 21.  The mandate applies to all children who reside within a district’s boundaries, including children who attend private schools and public schools, highly mobile children, migrant children, homeless children, and children who are wards of the state. (20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)

Included in the Child Find mandate are students who are suspected of having a disability, including those students who are receiving passing grades, advancing from grade to grade. (34 CFR 300.111(c)

The focus of the Child Find mandate is to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education, including special education and related services that are "designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.”

Identification and Referral

If parents or school staff members have a concern about the educational, behavioral, or social progress of a child, they may request a Student Success Team (SST) meeting.  The SST will write a plan for intervention to support your child in the general education environment. 

 

After exhausting general education services, your child may be referred for a special education evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.  

If you have any questions or concerns please call the school psychologist at your child’s school site or feel free to call the Special Education office at (619) 628-1660.