Child Find

What is Child Find? Child Find is a process designed to identify, locate, and evaluate individuals (birth through 21 years of age) with disabilities who may need special education services.

Who can begin the Child Find Process? Anyone can start the process: A parent, doctor, teacher, relative or friend can call to recommend an evaluation. The parent, guardian, or adult student will be notified to discuss any concerns so that consideration for an evaluation.

For non-school aged children: If a parent wishes to request consideration for an evaluation, a parent may call the Special Education office or provide a written request for an evaluation. If the request is made in writing, the district/campus is obligated to respond to the parent's request within 15 school days from the day the request is received.

For school aged children: A parent may verbally request or provide a written letter to the campus principal and/or counselor asking for consideration for a special education evaluation. If the request is made in writing, the district/campus is obligated to respond to the parent's request within 15 school days from the day the request is received.

Child Find

Why should we refer?

  • Early identification and intervention can prevent failure and frustration.

  • Special attention to teaching and learning strategies may help individuals overcome barriers to learning.

What happens after the individual is referred?

  • The parent(s), legal guardian, or adult student will be contacted by Clifton ISD personnel.

  • Referral information will be reviewed by Clifton ISD Special Education staff. If the information obtained requires an evaluation, the parent will be asked to allow for consent for evaluation.

  • An evaluation will be conducted by qualified school district personnel.

  • The parents, evaluation personnel and campus staff will have a meeting to discuss evaluation results, special education eligibility and services.

Which disabilities qualify a child for services under special education?

Help is available from your local school district for individuals who have the following disabilities according to federal and state criteria:

  • Autism

  • Deaf-blindness

  • Deafness

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Hearing Impairments

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Multiple Disabilities

  • Orthopedic Impairments

  • Other Health Impairments

  • Specific Learning Disability

  • Speech or Language Impairment

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Visual Impairment (including Blindness)

What services are available if my child qualifies for special education support?

  • Academic Instructional Support

  • Adaptive Physical Education Support

  • Auditory Services

  • Behavior Support

  • Counseling Services

  • Homebound Services

  • In Home or Parent Training

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Orientation and Mobility Support

  • Physical Therapy

  • Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

  • Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD)

  • Special Transportation

  • Speech-Language Services

  • Visual Services

Will my child be eligible to receive all the services listed?

Services and supports are based on the individual needs of the child. Once a Full and Individual Evaluation has been completed, the Admission Review and Dismissal Committee (ARDC) will meet to review eligibility and recommendations. Depending on the eligibility and needs of the child, services and support are recommended in the child's schedule of service page during the initial ARD meeting. Extended information about this process can be explained in the Parent's Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Guide

How much do evaluations and services cost?

Evaluations and services are provided at no cost to the adult student, parent, or guardian.

 

For more information, call Clifton ISD, Special Education Department 

Karen Schasteen

254.675.1889

karen.schasteen@cliftonisd.org