Guides
Child Find / early childhood overview
Child Find is the duty of states and schools to locate, identify, and evaluate children who may need special education and related services, including young children.
The problem this guide solves
Caregivers notice developmental concerns and do not know whether to call the pediatrician, an early intervention program, or the school district. This overview maps the landscape without inventing timelines or eligibility outcomes.
What Child Find means
Child Find requires public agencies to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities who need special education and related services. It covers children who are homeless, wards of the state, and children attending private schools, within the rules that apply.
For infants and toddlers, Part C early intervention systems may apply. For preschool and school-age children, Part B special education processes apply. Ask your state which agency handles your child's age group.
Practical first steps
- Write down concerns with examples (communication, movement, learning, behavior, hearing/vision).
- Talk with your pediatrician and ask about developmental screening resources such as CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Contact your local early intervention program (Part C) or school district special education office (Part B) and ask how to refer for evaluation.
- Put referral or evaluation requests in writing and keep dated copies.
- Find your Parent Training and Information Center for free navigation help.
Texas notes
Texas families can use SPEDTex, TEA Special Education family resources, and the SEN Texas evaluations / FIIE page. Confirm current state procedures with those official sources.
Related pages
- Topics
- Directory (CDC Act Early, parent centers, agencies)
- Texas evaluations / FIIE overview
Official sources
Not medical or legal advice. Early intervention and school evaluation systems differ by age and state.