Child Find
If you have a child or know of a child who seems to have difficulty learning, help is available. The information on this Web page will tell you how and where to get help.
OVERVIEW OF THE CHILD FIND PROCESS
STEP 1: Referral and Student Study Team Referral information is collected and is shared with appropriate school personnel. A Student Study Team may be convened to discuss the referral concerns and make recommendations. Referrals for Child Find need to be in writing. School staff can assist you in developing the referral and may want to meet with you to understand the nature of the concern.
STEP 2: Assessment Parents provide written consent if assessment is considered necessary. Appropriate school staff conduct the assessment. Study Team meeting to review the referral and your concerns. At this meeting, school staff will talk with you to gather information about your concerns for your child and may brainstorm resources and strategies to help
STEP 3: IEP Meeting After assessment is conducted, an individualized education program (IEP) team meeting is held to review results and determine eligibility for services. If assessment is appropriate and written consent is provided, your child will be tested to help determine if he/she has a disability and is eligible for special education and/or related services. An Individual Education Program (IEP) team meeting will be held with you to review the assessment.
STEP 4: Individualized Education Program If appropriate, an IEP will be developed, including service delivery and placement location. If appropriate, the team will develop an IEP based upon your child’s educational needs. All services are provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and will be discussed and determined at the meeting.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CHILD FIND?
The purpose of Child Find is to locate and evaluate children who are suspected of having a disability. If it is determined that the disability interferes with learning, special education and/or related services may be recommended.
Related services may include (but are not limited to) Speech/Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.
WHO MAY REFER CHILDREN?
Anyone can refer a child, including any of the following:
- Parents/legal guardians
- Other family members
- Physicians
- School personnel
- Childcare providers
- Community agencies
- Infants & Toddlers Program
WHEN SHOULD A CHILD BE REFERRED TO CHILD FIND?
- When birth complications or a medical disorder interferes with development and/or learning
- When the child seems to have difficulty understanding simple directions
- When the child seems to have difficulty hearing or seeing
- When you or others outside the family don’t understand the child’s speech
- When the child appears to be learning more slowly than other children his/her age
- When the child appears to have social or emotional difficulties that affect his/her ability to learn
Concerns need not be limited to those listed above. Many conditions which may affect a child’s ability to learn can be a basis for referral.
CHILD FIND RESOURCES
Infants and Toddlers
ALTA Regional Services
950 Tharp Road, Suite 202
Yuba City, CA 95993
Yuba City, CA 95993
(530) 674-3070 voice
(530) 674-7228 fax
SCSOS Infant and Toddler Program
970 Klamath Ln
Yuba City, CA 95993
(530) 671-3422 fax
(530) 822-2900 voice
Preschool and School-aged Students
Contact the administrator at your child’s school or Contact Sutter County SELPA Office at 530-822-2907