Unveiling the Wonders of Child Find
As a Special Education Director, I'm thrilled to share insights about a crucial initiative known as Child Find. This program is designed to ensure that all children with disabilities, from birth through age 21, are identified, located, and evaluated to receive the necessary special education and related services. If you're a parent in Georgia, this guide is crafted just for you!
What is Child Find?
Child Find refers to the policies and procedures each state employs to ensure that children with disabilities are identified and evaluated. This initiative is crucial in providing early intervention services and special education to those in need. The goal is to leave no child behind, ensuring that every child receives the support they deserve.
The Facts You Should Know
Child Find is not just a concept; it's a comprehensive approach involving various strategies and responsibilities:
- Child Find procedures may include public announcements through newspapers, television, radio, and meetings with private and home school representatives.
- Local school systems are responsible for identifying all children suspected of having disabilities within their jurisdiction. This includes:
- Preschool children, ages 3 through 5, including those in private preschools or childcare programs.
- Children enrolled in public schools within the district, including public charter schools.
- Children placed in private schools within the district.
- Home-schooled children.
- Highly mobile children, including migrant, homeless, and children who are wards of the state.
- Children in community programs such as rehabilitation centers and childcare centers.
- Children incarcerated in facilities operated by the local sheriff’s office or other municipalities.
- Children in state juvenile or correctional facilities.
- Any other children suspected of having disabilities, even if they are progressing from grade to grade.
- In Georgia, home-schooled children are considered private school children and must be considered for a proportionate share of federal funds for private school children.
- Public charter schools that operate as their own school system are responsible for Child Find for children enrolled in the charter school.
- Georgia DJJ and DOC are responsible for Child Find for youth in their facilities.
- Local school systems are responsible for Child Find for youth in jails or other correctional facilities operated by local municipalities.
Where to Go for More Information
If you are a parent seeking more information or assistance, here are some valuable resources:
- Parent to Parent of Georgia - Call 770-451-5484 or 800-229-2038
- Georgia Department of Education, Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports - Call (404) 657-9968 or email spedhelpdesk@doe.k12.ga.us
- Contact the Special Education Director for your school system.
For more information, please follow this link.
