What is Child Find?
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth through 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services. This includes students attending Sahuarita Unified School District schools, as well as those students who live within SUSD boundaries and participate in private schools or who are homeschooled.
Locate
Who is responsible for local Child Find activities?
Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) are responsible for “finding” eligible children.
Infants 0 mo.-2 yrs. 9 mo.
Contact AzEIP for children aged birth until 2 years 9 months of age if your child is showing difficulties with:
- Speaking/Understanding
- Vision
- Hearing
- Walking/Running
- Self Help Skills
- Behavior/Social Skills
- Manipulating Small Objects/Drawing
There is no cost for this service.
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 (520)325-6495 or (877)222-5432.
Children 2 yrs. 9 mo. -5 yrs
Contact the SUSD Child Find office at (520)625-3502×1929 for children 2 years 9 months through 5 years of age prior to September 1st of the current school year if you are concerned about your child’s development or performance in the areas that affect development and learning in school:
- Vision & Hearing
- Motor Control or Coordination
- Behavior or Social Skills
- Speech or Language Skills
- Thinking or Performing Tasks
School Age Children K-12
For children kindergarten age through 21 years, call the principal’s office at your local public school and ask to speak with the special education department about your concerns.
Evaluate
What happens next?
If an evaluation is needed the parent or guardian will be part of the evaluation team. You, the parent, can provide 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)?
Special education includes specially designed instruction and related services provided to students with disabilities, preschool through high school. An Individual Education Program (IEP) is developed based on the student’s 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).
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement in the special education process is critical to your child’s success. You are the best advocate for your child.
- Ask the school for a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice. This will explain your special education rights and responsibilities.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out what assessments will be given to your child and why they have been considered.
- Be involved in your child’s evaluation. Find out what kind of information you will be asked to contribute to the process.
- Request copies of important paperwork: including a copy of the final report. Keep these documents in a safe place.
- Keep a log of phone calls. Use your calendar to keep track of testing dates and meetings.
- Contact a parent group for guidance. It helps to talk to other parents whose children have been evaluated for special education services.
Cheryl McGlothlen, Director of Early Childhood Center
Telephone: 625-3502 x1927
Jess Banhie, Director of Student Services, SUSD
Telephone 625-3502 x 1020
Sahuarita Unified School District
Preschool Child Find
350 W. Sahuarita Road
Sahuarita, AZ 85629
Preschool Child Find Screening Request:
Telephone: 625-3502 x1929
Sahuarita Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age religion, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be referred to District Administrative Services at 520-625-3502, or to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Speed Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80204
Special Education Child Find
Rev 6/1/22
