notice of child find activity

Child Find is a legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that mandates public schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who may need special education and related services. This notice informs parents and the community about the Child Find process.

Purpose of Child Find The purpose of Child Find is to ensure that all children with disabilities are identified and receive the services they need to succeed in school and in life. This includes children who may have learning disabilities, developmental delays, emotional disturbances, or other health impairments.

Who is Covered? Child Find applies to:

• Children ages 0-3 (Early Intervention)
• Children ages 3-21 who are eligible for special education services

How to Participate If you suspect that your child may have a disability or is struggling in school, you can request an evaluation through your local school district. Here’s how you can participate:

1. Contact Us: Reach out to your child’s school to express your concerns by emailing the Pupil Services Department: Pupil-Services@hfca.org
2. Request an Evaluation: You can request a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for special education services.  Our School Psychologist manages all evaluations, with the help of other Related Services Providers.
3. Provide Information: Be prepared to provide any relevant information regarding your child’s development, behavior, and educational history.

A parent or a physician, nurse, teacher at a state or county residential facility, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who has reasonable cause to believe that a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to report the child to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child’s parent that the referral will be made. The referral must be in writing and must include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. When the district receives the referral, after obtaining the parent’s consent, it will appoint an IEP team to evaluate the child for eligibility for special education.

Confidentiality All information collected during the Child Find process is confidential and will only be shared with individuals who are directly involved in the evaluation and education of your child.  For more information on Child Find confidentiality – click here. 

Additional Resources and Contact Information For more information about the Child Find process or to request an evaluation, please contact:

• Senior Director of Pupil Services: Danielle Harris:  Danielle.Harris@hfca.org
• School Psychologist:  Dr. Sara Carse:  Sara.Carse@hfca.org
• Special Education Lead:  Michelle Tworek:  Michelle.Tworek@hfca.org

We are committed to ensuring that all children receive the support they need. If you have questions or concerns about the Child Find process, do not hesitate to reach out to us.