Child Find

Child Find is the process of identifying and assessing children from birth to 21 years old who may have developmental delays, be at risk of having a developmental delay due to a diagnosed medical condition, or who have an educational disability. Our team may consist of an early childhood special educator, a speech pathologist, a school psychologist, and/or a school nurse. We also provide audiological, motor, and behavioral services as needed.

For children birth to three, our Child Find process is done in collaboration with the Resource Exchange. Please call them to make a referral at 719.380-1100. At the District 49 Early Childhood Education/Child Find office, we evaluate children who are 3-5 years old, and who are not yet enrolled in preschool. For children who are already enrolled in either preschool or elementary school, please contact your child's teacher.

Birth to Three Years

The Child Find process for this age group typically begins with a parent or physician referral for a developmental concern, but can be submitted through various sources. The concern can be in the areas of motor skills, cognitive skills, language, and general development. Here is what you can expect:

The Resource Exchange is contacted and a referral form is sent to the Child Find Coordinator in the child’s school district.
The Child Find Coordinator will contact the family to gather information and schedule an in-home appointment for an evaluation, which must be completed within 45 days of the referral.
If the child is eligible for services, the Service Coordinator will schedule a second in-home meeting with the family and an appropriate provider to create an Individualized Family Service Plan. Services will begin within 28 days from the completion of the Individualized Family Service Plan.
Within 90 days before the child’s third birthday, the Service Coordinator will contact the family to begin transitioning the child from early intervention to the school district services if applicable.

Three to Five Years

Screening Process

District 49 provides free screenings for families who have concerns about their child’s development. Concerns could be in the areas of movement, speech, hearing, academic, or interactions with friends.

What can I expect?

Information about your child will be gathered, including address, date of birth, and any concerns.
An appointment is scheduled for a screening.
Information is sent to you via email. You will also need your child’s birth certificate, parent i.d., proof of residence, and the child’s immunizations.
The screening will consist of hearing, vision, dental and other areas of development to determine whether further evaluation is necessary.
If further evaluations are suggested, you will be given an acceptance letter to enroll your child into our student information system so we can complete the appropriate paperwork. Once that is complete, the Child Find Coordinator will contact you to set up a Special Education evaluation.

Individualized Education Program

What can I expect during an initial evaluation:

A full evaluation through a play-based assessment, with other standardized assessments as needed, in the area of concern will be conducted.
Parents are the most important team members in an evaluation. Team members will have questions for you.
Team members will review their findings and eligibility for services will be determined.
If determined eligible, your child will be placed in a District 49 preschool. Programs are four days per week for three hours per day. Service will be provided in the classroom.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be completed at the school with appropriate team members to include parent(s) and service will begin shortly

What is the cost for my child to attend preschool on an IEP?

Children who are eligible for special education under Colorado guidelines receive services free of charge. Children on an IEP do not need to pay tuition.

Can I bring my child’s current therapist to an initial evaluation?

Yes

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.

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. Screening alone cannot be used to determine eligibility.

If found eligible, how soon can my child start school.

Once found eligible, the typical start date will be within three to four school days. This timeline may be different for children with medical concerns or if the child is not yet 3 years of age.

Can I choose which school my child will attend?

No. The school district attempts to place children in their neighborhood school.

In This Section

Child Find

Birth to Three Years

Three to Five Years

Individualized Education Program

D49 Information

Parents & Students

Resources