Child Find programs

Child Find programs are mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and require that each state search out and evaluate children aged birth through 21 who may be in need of early intervention or special education services due to a disability.

For this assignment, research the Child Find requirements at the federal, state, and local levels, as applicable, in your area. Use this information to create a two-sided pamphlet that a school could distribute in the community to inform parents of the Child Find process in your area.

Within your pamphlet, include the following:

• Information about what families can expect as they move through the Child Find process from initial referral through enrollment in special education, if found eligible.
• IDEA timelines and other IDEA requirements that would support families in understanding the process.
• Roles and responsibilities of families and teachers/special education staff throughout the process, including how the teacher or special education staff will serve as an advocate for the child and the family and encourage their participation.
• At least two local and two national resources that families can use to learn more about IDEA and the Child Find process.

While APA style format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.