Does My Child Need Special Education Services?
At Academy District 20 (ASD20), we make sure that young learners having difficulties or delays in development get the help they need to be successful in school. Our Child Find program helps identify children that have a significant delay in development. The process may begin with a developmental screening and when appropriate, a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for preschool through special education.
The Child Find program is available to families, at no cost, who live within ASD20 boundaries. If you live outside of this area, please contact your local school district’s Child Find office.
Early identification and intervention can significantly improve a child's educational outcomes and overall development. Child Find helps ensure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
Who Can Benefit From Child Find?
Child Find is available to all children, from birth to age 21, who reside in Colorado. It is particularly beneficial for children who:
Have developmental delays or disabilities
Are struggling academically, socially, or emotionally
Have been recommended for evaluation by a teacher, doctor, or other professionals
How Does Child Find Work?
Child Find is a program for children from birth to age 21 with developmental delays or disabilities, or those struggling academically, socially, or emotionally. Child Find strives to provide early identification and support to help children succeed in school and beyond.
The Child Find process typically involves the following steps:
Referral: Anyone who suspects a child may have a disability can make a referral. This could be a parent, teacher, doctor, or other concerned individual
Screening: Once a referral is made, the Child Find team conducts a preliminary screening to determine if further evaluation is needed
Evaluation: If the screening indicates potential concerns, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted by specialists to assess the child's needs
Eligibility Determination: Based on the evaluation results, the team determines if the child qualifies for special education and related services
Individualized Education Program (IEP): If the child is eligible, an IEP is developed to outline specific goals, services, and support tailored to the child's unique needs
Getting Started
Children who are not yet in kindergarten, may be referred at any time when a family member, doctor or childcare provider has a concern about their development.
For children up to 3 years of age, referrals can be made to the newly forming Department of Early Childhood or The Resource Exchange, 719-577-9190, to gather information about your child, provide information about intervention, service coordination, and eligibility determination.
Children 3 - 5 years old are evaluated as a part of the preschool special education process.
Contact:
Kelly Cluxton
Academy School District 20 Child Find Coordinator
kelly.cluxton@asd20.org
719-234-1755Or, use our online intake form
Parents or Guardians of children who are entering kindergarten and are 5+ years old by October 1 of the current school year should contact their student's school, or the ASD20 Special Education Office at 719-234-1332, if they have a concern about their child’s development.