Child Find
Child Find is the legal obligation of every school district to actively identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities — including those in private schools, charter schools, and homeschool settings — who may need special education services.
Key Rights
- ✓All children with disabilities are entitled to be identified and evaluated, regardless of school setting
- ✓Child Find applies to children in private schools, charter schools, and homeschool
- ✓Parents may request an evaluation at any time — the school cannot wait for a child to fail
- ✓Child Find obligations begin at birth through age 21
School Responsibilities
- Actively seek out children who may have disabilities
- Respond to parent referrals for evaluation
- Evaluate children in all areas of suspected disability
- Not require children to fail before initiating an evaluation
- Coordinate with other agencies for children ages 0–3
Federal Law
IDEA, 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(3). Every state must have policies and procedures to ensure all children with disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated.
California Law
CA SpecificCalifornia Education Code § 56300. California requires school districts to actively and systematically seek out all individuals with exceptional needs from birth through age 21.
What Parents Can Do
- 1Submit a written request for evaluation if you suspect your child has a disability
- 2Contact your school district's special education office
- 3File a state complaint if the school refuses to evaluate
- 4Contact your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for assistance
Educational Information Only
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified education law attorney.