All children deserve a chance to reach their full potential. Child Find — or AZ Find — is a service that assists families of children who may have special needs, and is here to see that every child has that chance.
Administered through the Liberty Elementary School District’s (LESD) Special Service office, the intent of Child Find under both federal and state requirements is to ensure that all children ages birth to 21 years with delays or disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated in order to receive needed early intervention support or special education services.
The Child Find process begins with screenings in five developmental areas: cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and physical skills. Based on the screening results, the Child Find team may recommend further evaluation.
Public agencies, such as the LESD, are responsible for providing these supports and services. The district is obligated to actively search to "find" children who may be eligible and conduct an eligibility determination process that includes screening and evaluation according to state-established criteria. The earlier parents have their child screened, the better.
Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA ’04) that requires Public Education Agencies (PEA) to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth through 21, located within their boundaries of responsibility who are in need of early intervention or special education services.
If you believe your child is eligible for Child Find, please contact the district’s Special Services office at 623-474-6671.
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