When Tim started kindergarten, his teacher immediately noticed that Tim was having more difficulty than the other students. Tim’s teacher recognised that some of his struggles could be due to a disability, so she used the steps laid out in the Child Find system to begin evaluation of Tim while also using interventions to help support his learning.
Because Tim’s teacher acted quickly to identify that Tim was struggling academically, he was eventually diagnosed with Autism and given support he needed through the special education program. Tim’s parents were grateful that Tim had been identified early so that he could get the help he needed.
The early identification and evaluation of students suspected to have a disability is vital to their success in the classroom and beyond. When teachers follow the Child Find system, they ensure that no student in need of special education services gets left behind.
What is the Child Find system?
The Child Find system is a legally mandated program designed to identify students with disabilities. A good evaluation sets the foundation for the goals of an IEP and evidence-based interventions. Every teacher should know how this system works and what their role in it is.
Early identification of students with disabilities and struggling students in need of interventions and support is part of every educator’s job. Identification, evaluation, and programming need to be tailored to individual needs in order for all students to be successful in the classroom.
Making better evaluations
If you’re ready to learn more about the Child Find referral process, SPED educator Ayo Jones created this 30-minute course — SPED Self-Assessment: Child Find and Evaluations — just for you. After taking this course, you’ll be able to approach the Child Find system with clarity.
In this course from Noodle Nook, Ms. Jones shares a general overview of the Child Find system which identifies students suspected of having a disability. She also discusses the referral process based on the Child Find protocol and the intervention framework that supports early identification.
This session is part of the Special Education Self-Assessment Series, which is all about self-evaluating your work. Ms. Jones helps educators better understand things you should do to meet your legally mandated obligations of early identification and evaluation of students with suspected disabilities.
In this 30-minute course, you will learn:
- What Child Find means to educators
- How the referral process for students suspected of a disability works
- How to support students with pre-referral interventions
- Which intervention frameworks educators can use
- Which disabilities qualify for services under federal law
- Compliance reminders to stay in line with federal guidelines
This course was created to help educators become masters of the Child Find system and help their students through the process. When educators don’t know how the system works, it can end up leaving students behind.
If you work with students, have a campus leadership position, or guide policy decisions for your district, then this course will help you confidently approach the Child Find program.
Ready to take the next step?
Want to learn more about the course, SPED Self-Assessment — Child Find and Evaluations? Take a look at the demo or learn more about the entire Special Education Self-Assessment Series today.
