School District Preschool Child Find Process: Key Steps for Parents

As a parent, navigating the process of identifying and addressing developmental concerns in your preschool-aged child can be overwhelming. Fortunately, school districts have a structured Child Find process designed to help parents and children from ages 2 years 9 months to 5 years old. Here's a simplified guide to help you understand the key steps involved.

1. If Developmental Concerns Are Noted by a Medical Professional

• Parents can choose to participate in a screening for possible disabilities by contacting the school district.
• Once contacted, the district has 45 calendar days to conduct the screening.
• If the medical practitioner's information warrants, parents can request the district to proceed directly to evaluation. A Prior Written Notice (PWN) will be provided.

2. If Developmental Concerns Are Noted by the Parent

• Parents can contact the school district to participate in a Child Find screening, which must take place within 45 calendar days of entry or upon parent request.
• If the parent prefers an evaluation over a screening (requested in writing), the district has 15 school days to decide whether to refuse or agree to evaluate.
• If the district agrees to evaluate, they will provide a PWN and proceed to the next steps.

3. If a Screening Reveals Developmental Concerns

• If the district suspects a disability, they will consult with the parent and refer the child for an evaluation within 10 school days.
• A Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) will review the data, and a PWN and Procedural Safeguards will be provided.
• If no concerns are noted, no further action is taken.

4. Multi-Disciplinary Team Review

• If the district decides to evaluate, parental consent is obtained for the assessment plan to collect additional data.
• If no additional data is needed, parental consent for the determination of eligibility is obtained.
• If the district decides not to evaluate, a PWN and Procedural Safeguards are provided.

5. Determining Eligibility

• If no additional data is needed, the MDT summarizes the information into a report, which is provided to the parent. Eligibility is determined within 60 calendar days of consent to evaluate, and a PWN is issued.
• If additional data is needed, the MDT collects, reviews, and summarizes the information, providing the evaluation report to the parent. Eligibility is determined within 60 calendar days of consent to evaluate, and a PWN is issued.
• If the child is eligible for special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed within 30 days of eligibility, and a PWN is provided.
• If the child is not eligible, other educational interventions are considered, and a PWN is provided.

6. Developing an IEP

• If an IEP is developed, special education services are provided without undue delay.

Understanding these steps can help parents feel more confident and prepared when addressing developmental concerns in their preschool-aged children. For more information, please follow this link.