Child Find

 

What is Child Find?
Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening, and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer all young children with disabilities and their families who may need early intervention programs or special education as early as possible. In Wisconsin, children from birth to 3 years of age may qualify for early intervention programs, which are operated by local Birth to 3 Programs. Children ages 3 to 21 may qualify for special education provided by local school districts.

Why is Child Find necessary?
Screening all children provides parents and professionals with information on whether a child's development is similar to children of the same age. The purpose of Child Find for children ages birth to 21 is to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to free, appropriate public education, including special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Who is covered by Child find?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act {IDEA} re quires all states to have policies and procedures in effect to ensure that all children who need special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated. Wisconsin Child Find applies to all children who reside within the State. This includes infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children in private, public, or tribal schools, highly mobile, homeless, or migrant children, home school children, and wards of the state.

Who makes a Child Find referral?
Anyone can make a referral. Children from birth to 3 should be referred to local Birth to 3 Programs. Children from 3 to 21 should be referred to local school districts.

If you have further questions or would
like to schedule an appointment for a
child screening, contact
Sherrie Stanczyk:
715-343-6628
Email: sstanczy@pointschools.net