Understanding Child Find: What Parents Need to Know

When it comes to supporting children with disabilities, one of the most important, and often overlooked, protections is something called Child Find.

What is Child Find?

Child Find is the ongoing legal responsibility of every state and school district to locate, identify, and evaluate children who may have disabilities and need special education or related services. This duty applies to all children, even if they are moving from grade to grade without failing, are enrolled in gifted programs, or are highly mobile, such as migrant or unhoused students.

Why is Child Find Important?

If a school suspects a child may have a disability, they must begin the evaluation process, even if the parent has not requested it. Early identification leads to earlier support, and without Child Find, many students might fall through the cracks. A delay, or a failure to act, can violate a student's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and may entitle them to compensatory services.

How Does Child Find Work?

Under both IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, schools must have systems in place to recognize when a child may need help.

Signs might include:

• Increasing behavioral challenges,

• Frequent absences tied to health concerns,

• Repeated hospitalizations for emotional or mental health needs,

• Extreme, persistent struggles that do not improve with regular classroom supports.

Even private schools, facility schools, and correctional facilities have Child Find responsibilities. No matter where a child lives or attends school, if they need help, the system must find and support them.

What Happens if Schools Do Not Act?

If a district fails to meet Child Find obligations, it can be held accountable. Families have options, including filing complaints with the Office for Civil Rights, the Department of Justice, or the state Department of Education, depending on the situation.

A Note on Changes in the Law

Since 2009, updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have expanded the definition of disability. As a result, more students, including those with temporary or episodic conditions, may now qualify for support under Child Find.

Final Thoughts

If you believe your child might need an evaluation, or if you think the school has overlooked signs that your child needs help, trust your instincts. You have the right to ask for an evaluation, and the school has the duty to respond.Knowledge is power, and understanding Child Find is a crucial first step in making sure every child gets the education they deserve.