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Child Find

~ Identify ~ Locate ~ Evaluate ~

 

What is Child Find?

Child Find is a requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It means schools actively identify, locate and evaluate children who may need special education services.
This applies to children from birth through age 21, including those who are homeschooled or attend private school. If a child qualifies, evaluations and services may be provided at no cost to families.
If you have concerns about your child’s development or learning, please reach out. We are here to support you.

Child Find for Children Ages 0-2 

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for families with children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development. ECI services support families as they learn how to help their children grow and learn. Infants (ages 0-2) who have been identified as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), blind or visually impaired (VI), or deaf-blindness (DB) as defined by the Texas Education Agency, qualify for ECI. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) provides services to children with the aforementioned disabilities at no out-of-pocket cost to the parent. Children referred to ECI will receive a developmental evaluation to determine eligibility for services, according to the requirements of the State of Texas. The family and the evaluation team will work together to determine the most suitable services for the child.

Please contact Bluebonnet Trails Community Services ECI for questions about children ages 0-3. 

https://bbtrails.org/early-childhood-intervention-eci-services

Child Find for Children Ages 3 through 5 (not school age)

At age 3, children with disabilities may become eligible for special education services from a public school. A child between the ages of 3 and 5 may be considered for any disability recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). If the child meets eligibility criteria for Special Education and demonstrates a need for specially designed instruction, he or she may be eligible for special education services and/or related services through the school district.

Child Find (ages 3-5) FAQ's

Child Find - Proportionate Share (Prop Share)

Proportionate Share refers to special education services that may be available to students with disabilities who attend private schools or are homeschooled within the district’s boundaries.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public school districts set aside a portion of their federal special education funds to support eligible private school students. Because the funding is limited, the services provided may not be the same as those offered to students enrolled in public schools.

If a private school student is found eligible, the district may develop a service plan outlining the supports that can be provided.

If you have questions about how this applies to your child, we are happy to talk through the process and help you understand your options.

(Parentally Placed Private School Children With Disabilities Quick Guide and FAQ)

Proportionate Share FAQ's

Child Find - Texas Education Freedom Act (TEFA)

The TEFA program is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Through this program, parents who choose to enroll their children outside of the public school system – including a private school or homeschool – and are accepted into the program can use their child’s TEFA funds to pay for approved education-related expenses through the program marketplace.  (https://educationfreedom.texas.gov/).  For more information on completing the application please see the TEFA Parent Application Guide.

TEFA FAQ's

Resources

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services

Early Childhood Intervention Services that assist parents in accessing the resources they need for their young children (birth to 3 years of age) with disabilities or delays.

Child Find Referral to Special Education Request for Evaluation

Information from SPEDTEX, a TEA-based website about Special Education. Includes online chat and a direct phone line to employees who specialize in Special Education Services. 

Early Childhood Texas

Find resources and support for you and for your children as they grow and develop.

TEA Child Find Information

From the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.