Help Child Find Locate Children with Disabilities
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a statewide effort by
the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Department of
Rehabilitation Services to locate, identify, and evaluate children with
disabilities from birth to age 21. School systems have an affirmative
obligation to locate, identify, and evaluate children who have or may
have a disability. School systems use the referral process to fulfill
this obligation.
How Does Child Find Work?
Early Intervention and Special
Education Services work closely with community service agencies,
parents, and local school systems to locate children with disabilities.
For parents or other persons interested in information about referring a
child from birth to age 2, the toll-free telephone number is
1-800-543-3098. For parents or other persons interested in information
about referring a child ages 3- 21, the local school system or Special
Education Services Section at the Alabama State Department of Education
should be contacted.
Why is Child Find Important?
Child Find helps the child, the
family, and the provider to plan appropriate services and link families
to services for students who may meet special education eligibility
requirements.
Parent Resources Available
The Alabama State Department of Education-Special Education Services (SES) has developed a new video podcast designed specifically to help parents better understand special education concepts, processes, and procedural safeguards. Visit our Special Education Podcast. After accessing this page, find the Parent Resources tab and then select “Parents Partners in Special Education Podcast.