WHAT IS CHILD FIND?
-
Federal Law, specifically, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), contains the Child Find Mandate. There are two purposes for the specific regulations:
- To ensure that all schools have a practical method for locating, identifying, and evaluating all children with disabilities, from birth to age 21.
- To ensure that a coordinated system of Early Intervention Services for infants and toddlers with disabilities exists.
Specifically, early childhood screenings provide a way of observing a child's development in areas such as speech and language, learning, social growth, fine and gross motor, vision and hearing. A screening can also provide information about a child's strengths and areas of difficulty, and further provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to discuss their concerns. For Dedham residents, parents, guardians and/or persons in a care-giving or professional position concerned with a child's development may request such a screening. Specifically, parents/guardians may question whether or not their child has a special need that could potentially interfere with future learning.
For preschool age children, the Dedham Public School also conducts preschool screenings on a continuous basis throughout the school year, and screening results are shared with parents/guardians. A child who demonstrates significant difficulties may be recommended for a more in-depth special education evaluation which may only be conducted with written parent consent.
To Meet the obligations of the Child Find mandate, the Dedham Public Schools, on an annual basis, publish a notice on the District's website, as well as in local papers, and other print media. A mailing to daycare providers, nursery schools, private schools, and major pediatric medical groups also occurs.
For more information regarding the early childhood/preschool screening process, please contact Rebecca McCabe, Early Childhood Coordinator, at rmccabe@dedham.k12.ma.us.
Other Child Find questions can be directed to Elizabeth O’Connell, Director of Special Education, at 781-310-1025, or via e-mail at eoconnell@dedham.k12.ma.us.
CHILD FIND NOTICE FOR HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS
-
ATTENTION
PARENTS & GUARDIANS OF HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS
Child Find Notice
It is the responsibility of the Dedham Public Schools to identify any child who may have a disability who is either a resident of Dedham or who attends a private school within the geographical boundaries of Dedham even if the student is not a resident of Dedham. This also includes students who are homeschooled.
Dedham Public Schools is also responsible for the evaluation of those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under Federal Law, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or, Massachusetts State Law, 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations).
Dedham Public Schools is also committed to identifying children before their third birthday in order to provide early intervention services for three and four year-olds with disabilities. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development and would like to have him/her screened, please call Rebecca McCabe, Early Childhood Coordinator, at rmccabe@dedham.k12.ma.us to set up an appointment.
If you suspect that your child may need an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services, you may request an evaluation, at no cost, through the Dedham Public Schools (Special Education Office).
Please contact us at the following:
Elizabeth L. O’Connell
100 Whiting Avenue
Dedham, MA 02026
781-310-1025
eoconnell@dedham.k12.ma.us
CHILD FIND NOTICE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS
-
ATTENTION
PRIVATE SCHOOL PARENTS & GUARDIANS
Child Find Notice
It is the responsibility of the Dedham Public Schools to identify any child who may have a disability who is either a resident of Dedham or who attends a private school within the geographical boundaries of Dedham even if the student is not a resident of Dedham. This also includes students who are homeschooled.
Dedham Public Schools is also responsible for the evaluation of those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under Federal Law, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or, Massachusetts State Law, 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations).
Dedham Public Schools is also committed to identifying children before their third birthday in order to provide early intervention services for three and four year-olds with disabilities. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development and would like to have him/her screened, please call Rebecca McCabe, Early Childhood Coordinator, at rmccabe@dedham.k12.ma.us to set up an appointment.
If you suspect that your child may need an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services, you may request an evaluation, at no cost, through the Dedham Public Schools (Special Education Office).
Please contact us at the following:
Elizabeth L. O’Connell
100 Whiting Avenue
Dedham, MA 02026
781-310-1025
eoconnell@dedham.k12.ma.us
