Do You Know a Child with Special Needs?
What is Child Find?
The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate children and youth ages 3 – 22 years of age who are suspected of having or have a disability or developmental delay, in order to provide appropriate special education services under the law.
When Should a Child Be Referred to Child Find?
A child should be referred when:
- A health or medical disorder interferes with development and/or learning
- A child seems to have difficulty seeing or hearing
- A child appears to have social, emotional or behavioral difficulties that affect his/her ability to learn or interact with others
- A child has a diagnosed progressive or degenerative condition that will eventually impair or impede the child’s ability to learn
- A child seems to have difficulty understanding directions like others that are his/her age
- A child’s speech is not understood by family or friends
- A child has difficulty with reading, writing, math or other school subjects
What is Special Education?
Special education is instruction designed to meet the unique learning strengths and needs of the individual student with disabilities from ages 3 to 22 years of age. It is defined as:
- Specially designated instruction
- At no cost to the parents
- To meet the unique needs of a child with a disability
Special education services may be provided in a variety of education settings, but are required by IDEA to be delivered in the least restrictive environment.
Who is Eligible for Services?
A student must be evaluated and identified as having a disability to be eligible for special education programs and related services. The degree of the student’s impairment must require special education. The disability categories are:
- Hearing Impairment including Deafness
- Emotionally Disturbed
- Language/Speech Disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
How Can Children Be Referred?
Referrals may be made by a parent or by any person concerned about a child. Parent involvement and agreement is obtained prior to any further action. Information is confidential and the privacy of children and parents is protected.
Please contact Dr. Lisa Hall for further information.