At a glance
Under federal law, public schools must look for, find, and evaluate kids who need special education.
This is called Child Find, and it covers kids from birth through age 21.
It applies to all kids, including those who are homeschooled or in private schools, plus kids who are migrants or without homes.
Public schools have a big responsibility—they must identify, locate, and evaluate any kids who need special education. This is called “Child Find.” Looking for and finding these kids is an important first step toward getting them the help they need to thrive in school.
When a school knows, or thinks a child could have a disability, it must evaluate the child. Child Find applies to kids from birth to age 21. It can cover kids with learning and thinking differences, developmental delays, and other conditions.
It’s not enough for public schools to look only at current students. They must also seek out kids in migrant families and those without homes. You might be surprised to learn that they’re even responsible for finding kids who are homeschooled or in private schools.
For more information contact the individuals in the above flyer.