Do you have concerns about your child's speech, learning, behavior, or development?

Child Find is a process required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that helps identify, locate, and evaluate children from birth through age 21 who may have disabilities and may need early intervention or special education services.

Anyone with concerns about a child's development can make a Child Find referral. After a referral is received, a multidisciplinary team will meet with the family to determine whether an evaluation is appropriate. If an evaluation is recommended, written parent permission is required before testing begins.

A multidisciplinary evaluation may include observations, assessments, and interviews conducted by qualified professionals such as speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and special educators. Families receive a written summary of the evaluation, and a meeting is held to determine whether the child qualifies for services.

Who to Contact

• Birth through age 2: Contact your local Health Department.

• Ages 3 through 21: Contact your local school district.

For Simpson County School District families, contact:

Dr. Allison Glisson

Assistant Director of Exceptional Education

111 Education Lane

Mendenhall, MS 39114

601-847-8000

aglisson@simpson.k12.ms.us

Early identification can make a meaningful difference in a child's educational journey. If you have concerns about your child's development, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about the Child Find process.