Child Find
Child find is a legal requirement that schools find children who have disabilities and who may be entitled to special education services. Child find covers every child from birth through 21 years of age.
Child find is a process in which the district and/or Special Educational Local Plan Area (SELPA) seek out children with suspected disability for screening and possible identification. This is done through Advertisement, District website, District Parent handbook, direct observation, etc. This responsibility includes children not yet enrolled in school and those who are of school age.
The process and programming (should a child qualify) provides help for students with disabilities through early intervention services for children not yet school aged, intervention services from a credentialed teacher and other service providers for students attending school and those transitioning out of high school.
If you suspect your child may have a disability, please contact your child's teacher or principal to discuss your concerns. A student may be referred by parents, teachers, other school staff members, medical professionals, agency staff or others.
Children Ages Birth to 3 years
If you have a concern about your child's development, and your child is younger than 3 years of age, you can contact the Regional Center:
Central Valley Regional Center 5441 W Cypress Ave, Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 738-2200Children 3 years of Age
If you child is 3 years of age and you have a concern about their development, please contact the Kings County SELPA Office at:
Kings County SELPA 11835 S 11th Ave, Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 589-2504
Children of School Age (TK and up)
If your child is school aged (TK and up) and you are concerned about their progress in school, contact the school principal to discuss your concerns. Your child may be referred to the Student Study Team (SST) to discuss concern(s), Identify potential areas of need, and propose interventions, based on student needs. The SST will develop an action plan that may include interventions and strategies to assist students within the general education program and support your child's educational progress. An SST is recommended to meet to review a student's progress prior to developing an assessment plan for suspected disabilities.
Any questions with regards to the Child Find process can be directed to:
Hanford Elementary Special Services Department 714 N White St, Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 585-3617