Each child grows and develops at his or her own rate. However, you may have concerns about your child's learning or development. If you suspect that your child may have a disability and might need special education services, you may contact the following: 

Early Intervention: Ages Birth to 3

Early Intervention is a partnership between families and early childhood professionals and supports the growth, development, and learning of children birth to three years of age with developmental delays or disabilities. If you have a concern about your child's development and they are between the ages of birth and three, contact:  

                                Shannon Mendoza

Bright Start Services

509-826-1550

 For more information about Early Learning in Washington State go to:  The Washington State Department of Early Learning  

 Early Support for Infants and Toddlers  https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/child-development-supports/esit

 The State Division of Developmental Disabilities  www.dshs.wa.gov/ddd  

Preschool Program: Ages 3-5

The Early Childhood Development Team provides a free developmental screening and/or special education evaluation for all children ages three to five years suspected of having a developmental delay or disability.

If you would like to set up a Child Find screening for your 3-5 year old child, please contact Kim Bird - kbird@oksd.wednet.edu or (509) 861-0580 

School-Age Program: Kindergarten age through 21 years (All children entering kindergarten must be five years old by August 31) 

If your child is currently enrolled in Okanogan School District, please discuss your concerns with your child's teacher and/or principal. Explain that you wish to refer your child for a special education evaluation. 

What happens next? 

After Special Services receives your referral, a team member will call you back as soon as possible (within 25 school days) to discuss your concerns. 

If needed, a developmental screening or assessment appointment will be scheduled. These Child Find services are provided at no cost to families. If your child qualifies for special education, you will be invited to participate in the development of an Individual Education Program.

Child Find activities are extended to students who are homeschooled or attending private elementary or secondary schools located within the Okanogan School District boundaries.  

If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are currently staying for a screening. 

Okanogan School District is responsible for locating, evaluating, and identifying children, ages birth through 21, located in the district boundaries, who are suspected of having a disability and may be in need of special education and related services, regardless of the severity of their disability. Students do not need to be enrolled in public school to receive Child Find services. 

To refer a student of concern please contact Kim Bird - kbird@oksdwednet.edu or (509) 861-0580

Child Find Services provided free of charge to children, ages birth through 21, include; 

• child development information

• developmental screenings

• special education eligibility assessments

Find more information regarding Child Find by visiting the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). 

Making a Referral for Special Education | OSPI (www.k12.wa.us) 

Early Childhood Areas of Development

COMMUNICATION

• Is your child speaking?

• Is your child easily understood?

• Do you feel like your child understands you when you speak to him/her?

COGNITION

• Is your child beginning to take interest in colors, shapes, numbers and letters?

• Is your child beginning to notice how objects are the same and/or different?

FINE & GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT 

• Does your child perform physical activity similar to other children such as running, skipping or throwing a ball?

• Is your child unusually clumsy or uncoordinated?

• Is your child able to manipulate small objects similar to other children his/her own age?

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

• Is your child establishing friendships?

• Does your child overreact to simple problems?

ADAPTIVE/BEHAVIOR

• Is your child able to feed, clothe, and toilet his/herself?

• Does your child behave safely?

If you answered “no” to one or more of the above questions and are feeling concerned about your child’s development, get your questions answered during a free screening with our professionals.