The intent of Child Find is that all children from birth through age 21 with delays or disabilities are identified, located and evaluated to receive the supports and services they need. Below is a list of signs to look for (broken up into 3 categories), to possibly identify an individual that may need services provided by this school district and/or Arizona Early Intervention Program.

These procedures and guide steps are for a Parent, Educator or Agency making a referral for Evaluation under the “Child Find” guidelines for Individuals ages Birth to 21 Years.

Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program are responsible for “finding” eligible children and providing services needed for them to reach their potential while fulfilling educational needs. When children are “found”, they are referred to a specialist to screen for development. The screening helps “identify” any areas of concern that need to be evaluated further. In order to receive early intervention or special education services, a child must be evaluated to confirm they have a delay or disability that falls under state definitions.

If needed, the child is evaluated using state criteria for specific delays or disabilities. If eligible, the Arizona Early Intervention Program or a public school system will offer early intervention or special education services according to the child’s needs.

Screening and evaluation processes are available at no cost to parents who believe their child (0 – 21 years) may need early intervention services.

• Early intervention supports and services assist families of children who are eligible by helping children ages birth to two years 10 ½ months to develop age-appropriate skills. Screening and evaluation procedures for infants and toddlers up through 2 years 10 ½ months  are provided by the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). More information can be obtained on the AzEIP website.

• Preschool special education services for children ages 3 – 5 years provide special strategies to help children reach developmental milestones. Requests for screening and evaluation for children ages 3 years to 5 years may be referred to Little Explorers Preschool at 928-753-6413.

• Special education services for school-aged students in kindergarten through the age of 21 years provide specialized instruction and services to assist students in the educational environment. Requests for evaluation and screening for school-aged students (Kindergarten – 12th Grades) must be made in writing to the school principal of the school the student attends.

• Parents of non-public school students, including homeschooled and private schooled may ask for an evaluation, whether or not their student is enrolled in the District’s public-school program. If a school-aged student is home or private schooled, the request must be made in writing to the Director of Special Education at the District Office. If a student is attending a private school, the private school will participate in this process.

If an individual qualifies, special services may include Psycho-Educational, Speech, Hearing, Vision, Occupational, or Physical evaluations. Services in any of these areas may be appropriate.