According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the connections in a child’s brain are most adaptable during the first three years of life. These connections, also called neural circuits, are the foundation for learning, behavior, and health. Over time, these connections become harder to change.” Early intervention and preschool special education services are designed to provide experiences to improve speech and language, motor, social, emotional regulation, behavior, and cognitive skills. If you have concerns about your child's development, early intervention services can bolster your child's development and improve academic and/or functional outcomes in school. Free developmental screenings are available through the Charleston County School District. A doctor’s referral is not needed to have your child evaluated for services.
For children 3 to 5 years old who are not enrolled in public school and reside in Charleston County, complete the Child Find Preschool Online Request Form to request a developmental screening/educational evaluation appointment. Developmental screening appointments are available from August 15th to April 30th each school year.
For children 3 to 5 years old who intend to enroll or are enrolled in a public school program, share any concerns you have with your child's teacher or school staff.
For children under age 3, BabyNet is South Carolina’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, or who have conditions associated with developmental delays. Use the Online Referral Form or call the Central Referral Team at 1-866-512-8881 for more information.
The developmental milestones checklists from the CDC can help parents monitor their child's development. From birth to age 5, parents can monitor how their child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. There are photos and videos in the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App
for each milestone.
Are you worried about your child's speech, language, or hearing? Know the signs, and get help early.
Find your child's age below and learn about her speech, language, and hearing development.
Charleston County School District
Child Find Office
721 Wappoo Road
Charleston, SC 29407
childfind@charleston.k12.sc.us
Elizabeth Young, Interim Assistant Executive Director
Department of Exceptional Children
75 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
phone: 843-937-6502
fax: 854-800-4232
elizabeth_young@charleston.k12.sc.us