WHAT IS CHILD FIND?
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires school districts to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 who need early intervention services or special education services. It is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screenings, and evaluations to locate, identify, and refer children as early as possible.
HOW DOES CHILD FIND WORK?
The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate those who need special education and related services. A team of school personnel that provides behavioral, social, emotional, academic, and attendance support for a student will determine what resources are needed in order for a student to be successful in the learning environment. A student referred for an intervention is not necessarily being referred for special education. However, this team of personnel may function as an intermediate step between recognition of a problem and formal referral of the student for a comprehensive evaluation.
If you are concerned about a child's development, the sooner the delay is discovered, the sooner help can be offered. Voicing your concern is the first step to identifying children who may be in need of intervention. All children grow and develop at different rates. Here is a list of characteristics that may suggest further testing is needed.
Academics
Grades dropping
Progress monitoring data shows little or no progress
Student has 504 plan, but benefit is minimal
Behaviors
Increasing number of discipline referrals
Expulsions from school
Discipline referrals for aggression or disruptive behaviors
Social Emotional
Symptoms of depression and/or anxiety
Trouble focusing that interferes with performance
Medical professional, therapist, or agency indicates that student needs service
Attendance
Excessive absence of skipping class
Chronic illnesses that prevent school attendance
For children under 2.5, contact TEIS.
1-800-852-7157
For Children 3-21, contact
Kristy Albright, Director of Special Education, Sequatchie County Schools
Phone: [423-949-3617]
Email: kalbright@sequatchie.k12.tn.us