Are you concerned that your child may have a learning disability? Does your child have a medical diagnosis that may be impacting their school success? Are you unsure what the school’s responsibility is to recognize your child may need special education?
Child Find is a legal mandate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires public schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services. This responsibility extends to children from birth through age 21, including those who are homeschooled, in private schools, or attending public schools. The goal is to ensure that all children with disabilities are identified and receive the support they need to succeed in school.
Key Aspects of Child Find:
1. Identification: Schools must actively seek out children who may have disabilities. This involves outreach activities and sometimes working with community agencies to find children who might not be identified through typical school channels.
2. Evaluation: Once a child is identified, the school must conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if the child has a disability and what type of special education and related services are needed.
3. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): If a child is found to have a disability, they are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education tailored to their needs.
The 45-Day Screening Requirement:
In the context of special education, the 45-day screening refers to a specific time frame within which certain procedures must be completed after a referral for special education services is made. The details can vary by state, but generally, the process involves:
1. Referral: A referral for special education evaluation can come from a parent, teacher, or other concerned party who suspects a child has a disability that impacts their educational performance.
2. Screening: Once a referral is made, schools typically have a certain number of days (often around 45) to conduct an initial screening to determine if there is enough reason to proceed with a full evaluation. This initial screening helps decide whether a more comprehensive assessment is necessary.
3. Evaluation: If the screening indicates that further evaluation is needed, the school will proceed with a full and comprehensive assessment to determine the child’s eligibility for special education services.
4. Determination and Planning: After the evaluation, if the child is found eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed to address the child’s specific educational needs.
These processes are designed to ensure timely and appropriate identification and support for children with disabilities, helping to minimize delays in providing necessary educational services.