Child Find: Eligibility and Screening
Child Find: Eligibility and Screening
BCSS is committed to providing an education that appropriately meets the needs of each student. BCSS staff engage in age-appropriate Child Find activities that locate, evaluate, and identify students who are in need of special education services. Child Find for young children ages birth through age 5 is called a screening. For children in kindergarten through 12 grade, it is referred to as an educational evaluation. Child Find usually begins with general education interventions.
Why should I have my child screened or evaluated?
If you have concerns about the development of your child in any of the areas of development or if they are not meeting their developmental milestones. If there are concerns regarding your child’s development, early intervention has proven most effective in meeting the needs of children now and in their future. Our knowledgeable staff can provide support if necessary for your child to help them progress in their development. Click here for resources for age-appropriate milestones.
What are the eligibility requirements for special education?
A variety of tools and strategies are used to gather information to determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education. The evaluation process establishes whether or not a child has an exceptionality (disability or giftedness) and has a need for special education and related services according to the Kansas Eligibility Indicators. Students must meet two criteria to be enrolled in special education:
Does the student have a disability?
Does the student need specially designed instruction in order to benefit from the general education curriculum?
Tiny K Infant Toddler Services, Birth to 3 years old
Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC) houses Tiny-k Infant-Toddler Services. Sunflower’s Tiny-K program serves children with developmental delays and/or disabilities from birth to age 3. Our tiny-k services are available at no cost to children in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, and Stafford counties. The mission of infant-toddler services is to enhance the capacity of parents to help their child reach his/her fullest potential by overcoming or lessening identified delays before preschool.
Programs are individualized. Sunflower assess skills and provide intervention in six developmental areas: fine motor, gross motor, adaptive (self-help), cognitive, speech and language communication, and social/social-emotional skills. Family service coordination (FSC) is also available to assist with family needs and to provide effective parenting strategies.
Once a child is evaluated, Sunflower works with the parents to develop the IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan). These plans are designed to target the strengths and needs of the family working with their child. The family's choice along with the child's individual needs help determine the selection of services.
Sunflower'sinfant-toddler services are provided by a team of professional staff including early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, an occupational therapist, and a Spanish translator.
Infant-toddler services are offered in your child’s natural environment, which includes at home, daycare or preschool, or a community setting such as a park or library.
Early Childhood Screenings, Ages 3-5 years old
Early intervention is critical for children who have developmental delays. BCSS conducts child find screenings for children ages 3-5, not kindergarten eligible, within the cooperative area throughout the year to screen for potential delays in the areas of cognition, communication, fine/gross motor, and social skills. School staff members and parents work together to determine how to best meet a child’s needs.
Eligibility for services is determined through screening and evaluation for special education eligibility. If you have a concern about your child’s development, please contact Helping Hands Preschool at 620-793-1615 or email shelly.post@usd428.net.
What is an early childhood screening?
The screening consists of collecting data on current levels of functioning in the following areas of development:
Cognitive – problem-solving and pre-academic skills
Communication – articulation, receptive and expressive language
Fine Motor – small motor movements involving hands and feet
Gross Motor – large motor movements involving the whole body or arms and legs
Social Skills - interaction with staff and peers
Hearing
Vision
Screenings for Ages 5-21
Students aged 5 to 21, including those who are highly mobile, migrant, and/or homeless, may be referred for special education evaluation by school personnel when a disability is suspected. Parents are notified and play an integral part in the process. Parents also may initiate a referral for a special education evaluation. The need for special education and related services is determined in consultation with parents at each building site. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s building personnel with concerns about their child’s progress.
Further information about referrals for special education services is available by contacting the school psychologist at your child’s school or by calling Barton County Special Services at 620-793-1550.
If you have a concern about your child's development
Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC) houses Tiny-k Infant-Toddler Services. Sunflower’s Tiny-K program serves children with developmental delays and/or disabilities from birth to age 3.
Child Find clinics are held monthly for children 3-5 years old, not kindergarten eligible, during the school year to screen children and determine if further evaluation is needed. Children are screened on an appointment basis. Contact Helping Hands Preschool at 620-793-1615 or email shelly.post@usd428.net
For children ages 5-21 years old, referrals for special education services are available by contacting the school psychologist at your child’s school or by calling Barton County Special Services at 620-793-1550.