Child Find under IDEA: when schools must identify and evaluate students

What does Child Find require?

States must have policies and procedures to ensure that children with disabilities residing in the state who need special education and related services are identified, located and evaluated. The rule expressly includes some groups who can be easy to overlook, including homeless children, wards of the state, children attending private schools and highly mobile children.

What if a student is passing classes?

IDEA says Child Find includes children suspected of having a disability and needing special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade. Grades are relevant information, but they do not by themselves end the duty to consider suspected disability-related needs.

Can a parent request an evaluation?

Yes. Under IDEA, either a parent or a public agency may initiate a request for an initial evaluation. Put concerns in writing, describe the areas that may need assessment and keep a dated copy. The federal evaluation timeline generally begins after parental consent, subject to state timelines and regulatory exceptions.

What to do if you think Child Find was missed

Document when concerns were raised, interventions attempted, attendance or behavior patterns, work samples and relevant records. Ask the district in writing whether it will evaluate. If it refuses a qualifying IDEA action, review the district’s prior written notice and your state procedural safeguards.