Do you know of an infant, child or adolescent who is not developing at the same rate as other children his/her age? All children develop at their own pace, but some have more difficulty than others.
What is Child Find (Special Education)?
Child Find is a process designed to identify, locate and evaluate individuals with disabilities from birth through 21 years of age who may need special education and/or related services.
Who can begin the Child Find process?
Any person who knows of a child/student between the ages of 0–21 who exhibits developmental delays and/or difficulties in learning may refer the child to the following entities:
Ages 0–21 | Region One Education Service Center (ESC) Child Find/Serve Office | 1-800-782-7078 |
Ages 0–2 | Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Project Niños | (956) 728-1769 |
Ages 3–21 | United Independent School District Special Education Office | (956) 473-2047 |
Why should we refer?
Early identification can prevent failure and frustration. Special attention to teaching and learning strategies may help individuals overcome barriers to learning. If a disability is not found, other resources may be available to help.
What happens after the referral is made?
The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be contacted by United ISD staff. Appropriate personnel will gather together based on the type and characteristics of the disability which is suspected. This school district group with the help of parents will decide if an evaluation (testing) is needed to determine if there is a disability. If an evaluation is needed, the parent, along with this group of knowledgeable staff, will meet to discuss the outcome of the evaluation, special education eligibility and whether the student is in need of a variety of service options. This meeting is called an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meeting.
Who qualifies for special education services?
Individuals qualify for services when they have a significant educational need and one or more of the following disabilities, according to federal and state criteria as set out in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):