Child Find
Child Find is a Special Education law that requires all school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability. Schools are required to do this for all children with disabilities from birth through age 21. The Child Find mandate applies to all children who reside within the state, including children who attend private and public schools, highly mobile children, migrant children, homeless children, and children who are wards of the state.
BIRTH TO THREE CHILD FIND (0-3 year olds):
If your child is YOUNGER THAN 3 YEARS OLD and you suspect a possible delay, visit our Early Intervention page for more information.
PRESCHOOL CHILD FIND (3-5 year olds/Not kindergarten aged):
Renton School District Preschool Child Find is a developmental screening for children ages 3-5 years old (not kindergarten aged) to determine if there is a need for further evaluation for special education services. If you suspect your child (ages 3-5 years old) may have a disability in one or more of the areas listed below, please contact us to set up a developmental screening. Please do not contact us until your child has turned 3 years of age.
- Cognitive (thinking skills)
- Speech/Language
- Adaptive (self-help skills)
- Motor skills
- Social-Emotional/Behavior
If you would like to have your child screened, please register your child at RSD registration. Please note, registration does not guarantee enrollment, it provides us with important information about your child. Please select Child Find Developmental Screening (ages 3-5) on the preschool program questionnaire.
Upon receiving RSD registration, Lisa Young, our Child Find Coordinator, will support you through the rest of the process including an intake form to gather additional information and online screening tools that will be emailed to you. Child Find screenings are occurring continually throughout the school year.
For more information or if you are a community member who wishes to refer a child to Child Find for preschool aged children, please email Lisa Young at lisa.young@rentonschools.us or leave a voice mail at 425-204-2205.
Typically Developing Guidelines for 3-4 year olds
SCHOOL AGED CHILD FIND (5-22 year olds):
If your child turned 5-years-old before August 31 of the current school year or your child is currently enrolled in an elementary school and you suspect your child may have a disability that is impacting their access to education, please contact the principal of your neighborhood school.
TRANSFER STUDENTS:
If you have recently moved into the Renton School District boundaries and your child has an IEP from another school district, please contact the principal of your neighborhood school to set up services.
TEMPORARY LIVING SITUATIONS:
If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are currently staying for a screening. If you live outside the Renton School District, call 1.800.756.5437 to access information about Child Find in the school district in which you live.