As required by federal law, it is the policy of the SELPA to actively seek out all students with exceptional needs, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, from birth to 21 years of age, inclusive. This includes children not enrolled in public school programs; children who are homeless or wards of the state; children attending private schools, including private religious elementary schools; and migrant children. (See 20 USC § 1412(a)(3).)

Those who are in need of special education and related services shall be identified, located, assessed, and, if eligible, offered FAPE. This process is known as “Child Find.” The District serves students through grade eight (8); at that point, students transfer to another school district and its Special Education Local Plan Area.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 shifted the Child Find obligation for private school students from the district in which the student resides to the district in which the private school the student attends is located. The SELPA collaborates in conducting meaningful consultation with private school representatives in the area. As part of this consultation, private school representatives are informed about the Child Find mandate and the referral process for students suspected of having a disability who attend private schools.

The Child Find mandate is the same for all children, regardless of whether they attend public or private school. Private school representatives are also surveyed regarding eligible students identified in their schools, and this input is considered by the SELPA when determining policies for the provision of equitable services to private school students through an Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

The site administrator or their designee is responsible at the local school level for coordinating Child Find activities. The SELPA works in collaboration with other public agencies to ensure that local private schools, hospitals, preschools, the Regional Center, and California Children’s Services have been provided with public information about special education. This helps parents, teachers, and the community become aware of our Child Find obligations and the many special education opportunities available through the SELPA.

More information about Child Find is available through the District’s Special Education Department, located at the District Office, or by calling (909) 418-6420.