Child Find
Updated 10/22/08
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth to 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services. It is an ongoing process of public awareness activities, screening, and evaluation to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible all young children with disabilities.
The intention is to find children with developmental delays early so that they can receive early intervention.
To receive early intervention, children must meet eligibility guidelines according to the IDEA. Eligibility is determined by the Planning and Placement Team.
What do Montville Public Schools do to find children with special needs?
The Montville Integrated Preschool holds developmental screens several times throughout the year. They are designed to informally assess the development of children ages 33 months to five years of age.
Are these screens used to determine Kindergarten Readiness?
No. Developmental screens are used to determine if a child has a disability which would affect learning. They are tools to monitor development, not kindergarten readiness.
What if I have an evaluation from another school district or from a doctor indicating that my child has special needs?
Please contact the Director of Special Services, Donna Maynard, at 848-1228 if your child has already been evaluated and has been found to have a disability. A Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting will be held to review information.
Who should attend developmental screens?
The Montville Public Schools would like to meet and screen all children in the district before they enter kindergarten. The developmental screens are a good opportunity for parents to ask questions and to apply for the typical peer program offered by the Montville Integrated Preschool.
How can I sign my child up for a screen?
The screens are run by appointment only. To register for the next screen, contact Caroline Pulkkinen at 848-7816
What if I think my child has a disability, but he or she is younger than 33 months?
The state of Connecticut runs a program to help identify and provide services for qualifying children with special needs. The program is called Birth to Three and more information can be found about it at www.birth23.org