Child Find at TTCS
What is Child Find?
Child Find under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a process that requires states and local school districts to identify, locate, and evaluation all children with disabilities who may need special education services. This process ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Section 504 also has a child find obligation, and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MLSS) often integrates with Child Find efforts. Student Assistance Teams (SAT) may play a role in identifying and supporting students who may need special education or 504 accommodations. In essence Child Find is the overarching process of identifying students with disabilities who may need support. IDEA and Section 504 have specific requirements for Child Find, and MLSS frameworks and Student Assistance Teams can be valuable tools in the process. Child Find is not a passive activity, but rather an active process.
*Child Find (IDEA):
This is a legal requirement under IDEA (Part B) that mandates states to actively seek out and identify children aged birth through 21 who may have disabilities and require special education services. It’s a continuous process of locating and identifying students at risk.
*Child Find (Section 504):
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act also has a child find component, requiring schools to locate and identify students with disabilities who may need accommodations under Section 504 but not necessarily qualify for special education under IDEA.
*Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS):
MLSS, is a framework that provides tiered levels of support to address academic and behavioral needs of all students, including those with disabilities. Child Find is often integrated with MLSS to identify students who may need more intensive interventions or special education services.
*Student Assistance Team (SAT):
This team is a school-based group that includes parents, educational staff, and specialists that are familiar with a student. The purpose of the SAT Team is to provide support to students experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties. The SAT Team may play a role in identifying students who need further evaluation for special education or 504 accommodations. The SAT Team may also be involved in developing and implementing 504 Plans.
Who is covered under Child Find?
Children with disabilities from birth through age 21 are covered. This includes children who are being homeschooled, who are in public school, or who are in private school. Once identified, children are evaluated to determine if they have a disability that requires special education and related services.
Who can begin the Child Find Process?
Anyone can start the process: a parent/guardian, educators, medical professionals, relatives, and friends can all refer a child for the Child Find evaluation process. Anyone who suspects a child may have a disability can initiate the process.
Why is Child Find important?
*Early Intervention – Child Find helps ensure that children with disabilities receive timely and appropriate services, maximizing their potential for learning and development.
*Meeting Legal Obligations – It fulfills the legal mandate under IDEA to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities.
*Equity and Inclusion – Child Find promotes equity and inclusion by ensuring that all children with disabilities have access to the support they. Need to succeed in school and beyond.
How much do services cost?
All services provided by schools through IDEA are at no cost to the individual or parents.
What can you do if you have concerns about your child’s development?
*Ages 3-21:
Please contact the Child Find Coordinator at TTCS (Information below). Special education and related services are available to all eligible school-aged individuals, ages 3 through 21 years old.
*Ages birth to 2:
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) agencies provide services to children ages from birth to 2 years of age for learning, speech, behavior, or other delays. Please contact your primary care physician for a referral to an Early Childhood Intervention agency or call the TTCS front office at 505-986-4000 and ask for the Early Childhood Coordinator.
Who do I contact if I need additional information?
For more information, you can contact the TTCS Child Find Coordinator (information below). They will provide information that can help you understand MLSS, Student Assistance Teams, disabilities, your parent rights, and the school’s responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504.
TTCS Child Find Coordinator
Michelle Gallop, M. Eds., LED III
Child Find Coordinator
Turquoise Trail Charter School
505-986-4000 ext. 11015