Child Find & Early Learning
The process of locating and evaluating child with disabilities if referred to as Child Find. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 requires all school districts to locate, evaluate and provide services for children age birth through 21, who may have a disability, including children with disabilities who are homeless or are wards of Washington state.
If you:
- have questions whether their child has a disability
- are concerned about their infant, toddler, or preschooler's development
- know their child has a disability and are looking for appropriate education services
- would like to know how to help their school age child succeed in school
You can contact the principal or school psychologist at your home school. You can also contact the district's special education office at (509) 559-4507 for assistance. Any student whether or not enrolled in school may be referred for a special education evaluation by parents, district staff, or other person knowledgeable about the child. If your family is living in a temporary or transitional situation, you may contact the district where you are staying for a screening.
Child Find for our youngest learners, infants and toddler, birth to three years old (0-3), Cheney Public schools has partnered with the Infant Toddler Network. Please call them direct at (509) 324-1651 to set up an appointment. . Click here for additional information on the referral process
What is a Child Find Screening?
Screening is a free check of your child's development including: large muscle development, eye-hand coordination, communication, concepts, personal-social skills, self-help skills. The purpose of the screen is to identify any factors that may interfere with your child's learning, growth, and development and also to help parents identify their child's strengths and weaknesses and provide home suggestions.
During the screening, your child may stack small blocks, cut with scissors, draw, count, name colors, jump, and have fun! After the screening the district will discuss the results of the screening, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about your child's development. You may be given suggestions, referred for further testing, scheduled to have skills rechecked later or if determined an assessment is needed you will be invited to participate in developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Do you have questions about your child's development?
Children grow and develop differently. If you have concerns about your child's learning or development and suspect that your child may have a disability and might need special education services, contact: Student Support Services - (509) 559-4507 or (509) 559-4530.
If your child is currently enrolled in Cheney Public Schools, please discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher and/or principal. Explain that you wish to refer your child for a special education evaluation. Call Student Support Services for more information.
Services provided free of charge to children, ages birth through 21, include:
- Child development information
- Developmental screening
- Special Education eligibility assessments
Infants and Toddlers Referrals for children ages birth through three years will be referred to the Infant Toddler Network at 324-1651. You may call this number directly. Click here for additional information on the referral process
What happens next?
After Cheney Public Schools receives your referral, a team member will call you back as soon as possible within 25 days to discuss your concerns.
If needed, a developmental screening or assessment appointment will be scheduled. These child find services are provided at no cost to families. If your child qualifies for special education services, you will be invited to participate in development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Cheney Public Schools is responsible for locating, evaluating and identifying children, ages birth through 21 years, who are suspected of having a disability and may be in need of special education and related services, regardless of the severity of their disability. Students do not need to be enrolled in public school to be referred for an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.
If your family is living in a temporary or transitional situation, you may contact the district where you are staying to attend a screening.