“Child Find” is a legal requirement that schools find all children who have disabilities and who may be entitled to special education services. In Michigan, Child Find covers every child from birth through age 25. Schools must evaluate any child that it knows or suspects may have a disability.
If a request is made verbally, the school district must support the parent in documenting this request. This is part of the district’s Child Find obligation.
Child Find public awareness activities, screenings and evaluations are designed to locate as early as possible all children and youth with disabilities who are in need of early intervention and special education services.
In Michigan, Child Find activities are coordinated by Early On (birth-age 3) and local school district Build Up Coordinators (ages 3-26).
More on Eligibility and Evaluation
Child Find includes information on the Child Find responsibilities for different groups of students including preschool-age children, school-age children, adult learners, non-public students, and homeschool students. Additional topics include Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and discipline protections.
FAPE for Adult Learners includes guidance on Child Find and initial evaluation for adults (18-26) who have not received a regular high school diploma.
RETURN TO SCHOOL ROADMAP: Child Find Under Part B of IDEA confirms students right to FAPE during the pandemic and responds to questions about Child Find during the pandemic.
