Early Intervention And Special Education: How Child Find Works

What is Child Find?

It’s a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth through 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services.

Locate

Who is responsible for local Child Find activities?

Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) are responsible for ‘finding’ eligible children.

Identify

What if I have concerns?

If you have concerns about your child’s development or progress in school, you may receive help from the AzEIP or your local school. There are no costs to parents for Child Find services.

Contact the AzEIP for children aged birth to 3, if you are concerned about how your child:

• Plays and interacts with others
• Learns
• Communicates
• Moves
• Sees
• Hears

An AzEIP specialist will come to your home to talk with you about your concerns and observe your child. For more information about the Arizona Early Intervention Program, visit their website at www.azdes.gov/azeip, or call either 1-888-439-5609 or (602) 532-9960.

Contact your local school for children aged 3 through 21, if you are concerned about your child’s development or performance in the areas that affect development and learning in school:

• Vision and Hearing
• Motor Control or Coordination
• Behavior or Social Skills
• Speech or Language Skills
• Thinking or Performing Tasks

Public schools use a screening process to check your child's development and academic progress.

For children 3 years to kindergarten age, call the special education department of the local school district. You may also call the county school superintendent’s office. Or, use the ‘find a school’ link on the ADE website, www.ade.az.gov.

For children kindergarten age through 21 years, call the principal’s office at the local public school and ask to speak with the special education department about your concerns.

Evaluate

What happens next?

If an evaluation is needed, you will be part of the evaluation team. You can give important information on your child’s developmental and medical history. The team, of which you are a part, will discuss the results of the evaluation. You will be involved in the decision-making process to determine if your child is eligible for early intervention or special education services.

What is early intervention (ages 0-3)?

Early intervention is professionals working in partnership with parents and families of children with special needs, to support a child’s growth, development, and learning. Early intervention is planned around each child and family’s unique daily routines and family life. An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to provide supports and services.

What is preschool special education and school-aged special education (ages 3 through 21)?

It is specially designed instruction and related services provided to students with disabilities, preschool through high school. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed based on their unique strengths and needs. Related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or assistive technology might also be provided. Eligible students are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).