Child Find
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA ‘04) that requires each state to develop a statewide system for identifying, locating and evaluating all children with disabilities ages birth through 21 who are in need of special education and related services.
Parents or guardians, educators, physicians, referral sources and individuals who work with children, children ages 3-21 who believe that a child may have a disability and require special education services may call the Child Find Project at Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) at the toll free number, 1-800-445-2722, to speak with a consultant who can explain the identification process and help the family connect with their local school district as well as other appropriate agencies.
Parents or guardians of children ages birth through two years who suspect that their child may have a disability should contact Birth-to-Three at 1-800-505-7000.
More Information
- CPAC's Involvement in Child Find
CPAC’s Child Find Project is designed to assist the Connecticut Department of Education and local school districts with the implementation of this comprehensive Child Find system. Read more about CPAC's involvement.
- The Referral Process for Special Education in Connecticut
When a child is located and identified as having a possible disability and need for special education and related services, a referral for special education may be made.
- Locate, Identify and Evaluate: Understanding the Components of Child Find
Under Child Find, states and school districts must locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities, ages birth through 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services.
- Basic Steps for Receiving Special Education Services in Connecticut
There are specific steps involved in the process of receiving special education services in Connecticut. Learn what happens after a disability is suspected.
- Online Child Find Project Contact Form
If you have concerns regarding the development of a child and need more information about special education services, please fill out this contact form and one of CPAC's Parent Consultants will contact you within 24 hours of your request.
- Additional Child Find Resources
