Understanding Child Find: What Parents Should Know

Child Find is one of the most important parts of special education law, and it exists for a simple reason. For decades, many children with disabilities were ignored, excluded, or left to struggle without support. Before federal protections were created in the 1970s, schools could deny services or refuse to enroll students with disabilities altogether. When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was passed, Child Find became a key requirement to stop that from happening again.

Child Find means every public school must identify, locate, and evaluate children who may have a disability that affects learning. This applies to preschoolers, school-aged children, homeschooled students, and even kids in private schools. No school is allowed to wait until a child fails. If there is a reasonable concern, the district must act.

Parents have a strong voice in this process. If you see your child struggling with reading, communication, attention, behavior, or social skills, you can request an evaluation at any time. Once you put that request in writing, the school has to respond and follow federal timelines. You do not need a medical diagnosis first, and you do not have to prove anything before asking.

The evaluation looks at how your child learns, communicates, and functions in school. It helps you understand what is going on and what support may help. If your child qualifies, the result is an IEP. If not, the school may consider a 504 plan.

The heart of Child Find is simple. Schools must pay attention. Children should not slip through the cracks because adults were unsure, too busy, or waiting for more signs.

This law exists to make sure students get help early, not after years of frustration.

If you are a parent, trust your observations. Be specific when you talk to the school. Put important requests in writing. And remember that Child Find is not a favor from the school. It is a legal protection created to ensure students—your child included—get the chance to learn and grow with the support they need.

William T. “Bo” Johnson III

Attorney and Managing Member