Child+Find+Responsibilities

Definition of Target Population ([])
The population to be identified must be defined and described. To identify children who may have health or developmental issues as early as possible, it is important to think broadly about needed programs and services and conduct child find activities accordingly. For example, needs may range from an eye exam for a child having minor vision difficulties to a full evaluation for a child in need of more comprehensive or ongoing early intervention services. Multiple state programs have a responsibility to identify children in need of these services. Programs that are responsible for serving identified children include: early intervention, preschool special education, Head Start, Title V programs for children with special health care needs, and state Medicaid and SCHIP initiatives.

The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) targets all children with disabilities aged birth to 21 who reside in the state. Part C of IDEA, early intervention, focuses on children aged birth to three.

**Who is Covered by Child Find? ([])** Schools are required to locate, identify and evaluate **all children** with disabilities from **birth through age 21**. The Child Find mandate applies to all children who reside within a State, including children who attend private schools and public schools, highly mobile children, migrant children, homeless children, and children who are wards of the state. (20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)) This includes all children who are suspected of having a disability, including children who receive passing grades and are "**advancing from grade to grade**." (34 CFR 300.111(c)) The law **does not** require children to be "labeled" or classified by their disability. (20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)(B); 34 CFR 300.111(d)).

The Special Ed page at TEA ([]) The state is "rethinking Child Find in Texas".