Child Find

What is Child Find?

Child find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screen, and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible, all young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of an early intervention program (Part C) or Early Childhood Special Education (Part B) services of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Why is Early Intervention Important?

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), "Children develop at their own rate. Most children learn necessary skills within a specified age range and some may not. Providing early intervention and support to that child can help close skill gaps." Learn more about what to expect from your child from birth to five years old. You can also learn more about how to Identify the Signs. 

The CDC has said, "early intervention services can change a child's developmental path and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities." Early intervention is essential for ensuring positive social and academic outcomes for children with speech and language impairments. It can help to provide parents and caregivers with resources and support, improve behavior, relationships and promote future success in school (Kaiser and Roberts, 2011). 

How to Make a Referral 

Are you concerned about your child's speech or language? Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Brian Johnson, Director of Student Services, Mount Horeb Area School District, at 608-437-7016, or by writing him at johnsonbrian@mhasd.k12.wi.us.

The Role of Speech and Language Clinicians

For some students, Speech and Language services are the sole reason for your child's IEP. In this case, the Speech and Language clinician will likely be your child's case manager, and the IEP will focus on Disability Related Needs connected to their Speech or Language Impairment. For other students, Speech and Language maybe a related service. This means the IEP team has determined there are speech and/or language needs related to the student's primary disability and necessary to allow the child to appropriately engage and access their education. The focus of school-based services is on the child’s ability to access their education, both in terms of curriculum and environment. Can they express their wants, needs, and thoughts to teachers and peers and have them understood? Skills they will need to make progress in the educational environment are evaluated and treated through the lens of can this student access their education?