Child Find

IDENTIFYING EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AT AN EARLY AGE

Child Find is a process of referring young children (ages 3-5 years) and their families to educational services they may potentially need. Every child grows mentally and physically at his or her own pace, however, some children experience challenges and disabilities that can impede their progress. If you have concerns regarding your child's development, free evaluations are available to resident children in the areas of speech and language, physical, mental, social-emotional, hearing, vision, and autism. Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

A team of educators specializing in the areas of concern works with the child and family to determine eligibility for Special Education Services. Child Find and parents also work together to determine the appropriate programs and services for eligible children. Child Find can include the following highly qualified specialists: Speech/Language Pathologist, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, Teacher Consultant, Occupational Therapist, and Physical Therapist.

How your child plays, learns, speaks, and acts offers important clues about your child’s development. Listed below are some developmental milestones, which are things most children can do by a certain age. Contact Child Find if you have concerns about any of your child's developmental areas.

By 3 Years: Walks up stairs. Follows instructions with 2-3 steps. Uses utensils to feed self. Copies a circle. Wants to play with other children. Uses short sentences to relate experiences. An unfamiliar listener can understand approximately 75% of the time. Matches colors. Demonstrates interest in toilet training.

By 4 Years: Can hop and jump in place. Is toilet trained. Copies a cross. Names some colors and numbers. Can wait for turn. Begins to play interactively with other children. Plays pretend or make-believe. Washes hands unassisted. Uses sentences. An unfamiliar listener can understand them approximately 90% of the time. Tells stories.