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Child Find
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Do you know a child between the ages of birth through 21 years old who shows signs of developmental delays, on-going learning problems, behavioral or medical problems that interfere with learning? Do you suspect the presence of a disability?
Child Find is part of Colorado's system for identifying children suspected of having a delay in development. Child Find can help you and your family make connections to services in the Pueblo community or Pueblo School District 60.
Child find teams will evaluate how the child plays, learns, speaks, behaves and moves. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine if there is a significant delay or if there is a need for early intervention or special education services. Evaluations conducted by Child Find teams are at no cost to parents.
Every child has the right to a free appropriate education (FAPE). Don’t let your child be left behind in their attempts to be successful. The following information will explain the assessment process.
Evaluations for children from birth to 2 years old
The Child Find process for this age group typically begins with a referral for a developmental concern. The concern can be noted in any area of development including; motor (fine and gross motor), early learning/play, speech and language, adaptive (self-help) and social and emotional skills. Here is what you can expect:
- To start the referral process, contact Colorado Bluesky Enterprises at 719-542-6701 or learn more on their web page.
- Once the referral is received by the Child Find Office, they will contact the family to gather information and schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
- Children will be evaluated in all five areas of development.
- If the child is eligible for services, the Service Coordinator will schedule a meeting with the family to develop the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
- Before your child turns 3 years old, an evaluation will be scheduled with the school district to determine if they may be eligible for Part B special education services.
Evaluations for children from age 3 to 21 years old
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Step 1: Referral
A referral is made. Parents provide written consent for the screening and/or evaluation.
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Step 2: Evaluation
Evaluations are conducted by the appropriate Special Education Staff. For students not yet enrolled in Pueblo School District 60 areas to be evaluated are determined by a variety of sources (eg. parent report, community based reports, screening results, record review etc.)
For students who are enrolled in school, areas to be evaluated are determined by a variety of sources (eg. progress monitoring, observation, data collection, screening etc.)
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Step 3: Eligibility and IEP Meeting
The evaluating team meets to discuss the evaluation results with the parents and determines eligibility for Special Education and Related Services. If the child is eligible, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed based on your child’s educational needs.
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Step 4: Special Education Services
Special Education is instruction designed to meet the unique needs of the individual student with disabilities from ages 3 to 21 years of age. It is defined as:
- Specially designed instruction
- At no cost to the parent
- To meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
- Special Education services may be provided in a variety of educational settings, but are required by federal law to be delivered in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Learn more about District 60's Special Education office and its functions
Child Find FAQ
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Who may refer a child for screening?
Anyone who has concerns about a child’s development or academic achievement may refer the student for screening.
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How long does an evaluation typically take?
1 to 2 hours is the typical time frame for an evaluation.
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My child has an outside diagnosis. What role will that play in their evaluation?
An outside diagnosis is helpful to know about. However, the Child Find team will be looking at educational impact. A medical diagnosis or qualification for outside services does not equate to being found eligible for special education services within the school. You will be asked to provide documentation of outside diagnosis or services plans.
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Can I choose which preschool my child will attend?
No. Children who qualify for special education services are placed in a slot through the Early Childhood Department.
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If found eligible, when can my child start school?
Once found eligible, your child can start school once they are 3 years old and registration is completed.
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What is the difference between a screening and an evaluation?
Screening is a preliminary process to identify children who may need further evaluation in order to determine the existence of a delay in development or a particular disability. Screening alone cannot be used to determine eligibility.
An evaluation is used to determine if there is a disability and if it will impact the child’s ability to participate and progress in a classroom. -
Who can I bring to an initial evaluation?
Parents may bring anyone that they would like.
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What is the cost for my child to attend preschool if they have an IEP?
Children who are eligible for special education under Colorado guidelines receive services free of charge.
Contact Us
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Robert "Bob" Lee
AT/AAC Coordinator
robert.lee@pueblod60.org
719-423-3073
Rhonda Adamson
Assistant Director/Child Find Coordinator
Exceptional Student Services
719-423-3887
rhonda.adamson@pueblod60.org