Child Find is the phrase referred to in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) that means the identification and assessment of children who are suspected of having a disability.  It is the district’s responsibility to ensure that children ages 3 to 21 have access to the Child Find process if there is a suspension of learning difficulties.

Child Find Evaluation birth to 3 years of age:

The District works with families who are concerned about their child’s development in the birth to age 3 range.  The Resource Exchange (TRE) is the community entity that facilitates the referral then works in tandem with the school district through the Child Find process.  If you have a child in this age range and you are concerned about any developmental issues, please contact the TRE (577-9190) to initiate a referral.

Child Find Evaluation 3 to 5 years of age:

Families are encouraged to contact the Early Childhood Coordinator at Canon School (475-6140) if any developmental concerns exits (communication, motor skills, social emotional skills, pre-academic-cognitive skills, hearing and/or health).  The district offers free screenings and subsequent evaluations to children who reside in the Cheyenne Mountain School District with potential developmental and/or health concerns that impact educational access and performance. If a child meets the eligibility criteria for specialized services, an Individual Education Plan, IEP, is developed and the student is eligible to begin preschool, free of charge, the following school day (per the district calendar).

Child Find Evaluation for Students ages 5-21 years of age:

Students ages 5 to 21 are screened for vision, hearing and health concerns as part of the Child Find process. The district has a Response to Intervention (RTI) process in each building that monitors student learning and how students respond to strategies. If the team feels that a referral to special education is warranted, an evaluation to include cognitive, educational, health, social/emotional, communication and transition occurs with parental permission. Parents who suspect that their child is experiencing learning difficulties may also initiate a special education referral.  For further information please contact the Office of Learning Services at (719) 327-2823.