Child Find
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth through 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services.
When should a child be referred to Child Find?
- When birth complications or a medical disorder interferes with development and/or learning
- When the child seems to have difficulty seeing or hearing
- When you or others outside the family don’t understand the child’s speech
- When the child appears to be learning more slowly than other children their age
- When the child appears to have social or emotional difficulties that affect their ability to learn.
The above list is not exhaustive and does not cover all possible concerns. Any condition which may affect a child’s ability to learn can be a basis for referral.
Everett Public Schools complies with federal and state Child Find rules and regulations. Child Find applies to all children residing within the district boundaries, including children who attend private schools, home school, highly mobile children, migrant children, homeless children and children who are wards of the state (20 U.S.C. 1412 (a)(3).
Birth-to-Three Program
Early intervention services during the first three years can make a big difference in a child’s life. The Department of Early Learning's (DEL) Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program provides services to children birth to age 3 who have disabilities or developmental delays. Eligible infants and toddlers and their families are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention services in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C.
If you have a concern about your child's development and they are between the ages of birth and three, contact:
*Snohomish County Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT@snoco.org)
425-388-7402 or 1-800-927-9308
Additional information:
Snohomish County ESIT information (SnoCo ESIT).
Department of Children, Young, and Families ESIT information (DCYF ESIT)
Preschool Child Find Program (Age 3 - 5)
The Early Childhood Development Team provides a free developmental screening and/or special education evaluation for all children ages 3 to 5 years suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. The purpose of screening is to identify any developmental delays that may potentially affect a child’s functional or pre-academic performance.
Upon completion of the screening, a member of the Early Childhood Development Team will explain the results to the child’s Parents/guardian. If the screening results indicate the child is having difficulty in one or more areas, a meeting will be scheduled to refer the student for a possible special education evaluation. Eligible preschool students are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention special education services in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B .
The Early Childhood Development Center is located at:
Mill Creek Elementary School
3400 148th St. SE
Mill Creek, WA 98012
Child Find Intake: 425-385-5777
School-Age Child Find Program
School Age Program is for children of Kindergarten age through 22 years (All children entering kindergarten must be five years old by August 31). Child Find activities are extended to students who are homeschooled or attending private elementary or secondary schools located within the Everett Public School boundaries.
To refer a student of concern, contact your neighborhood school.
Additional Resources
- The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (www.dcyf.wa.gov)
- Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities (www.snoco.org)
- The Arc of Snohomish County (www.arcsno.org)
- The State Division of Developmental Disabilities (www.dshs.wa.gov/ddd)