Child Find Notice
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children who are in need, or may be in need, of special education and related services. The Child Find obligation in Michigan includes children aged birth to 26 years old. Child Find includes ongoing collaboration with outside community agencies. Schools are required to adopt written procedures for Child Find that address at least the following elements: a system of tiered interventions, a robust student assistance team procedure, processes of entry via initial evaluations and transfer IEPs, timelines associated with evaluation, the use of surrogate parents, and parental consent. In addition to these procedures, schools are also required to annually inform the community of the available special education programs and services. Tahquamenon Area Schools Child Find policy requires all children between birth to 26 years old who are in need, or may be in need, of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated in accordance with all state and federal regulations.
Consent & Evaluation Process
Written parental consent is required for school districts to proceed with an evaluation or reevaluation for special education eligibility and related services. Consent means that (a) The parent has been fully informed of all information relevant to the activity for which consent is sought, in his or her native language, or through another mode of communication; (b) The parent understands and agrees in writing to the carrying out of the activity for which his or her consent is sought, and the consent describes that activity and lists the records (if any) that will be released and to whom; and (c) The parent understands that the granting of consent is voluntary on the part of the parent and may be revoked at any time. IDEA includes a set of procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their parents. After obtaining parental consent, the school district will conduct all evaluations and hold an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting, within 30 school days. More information regarding evaluations and eligibility can be found here.
For more information about the Tahquamenon Area Schools Child Find policy, please contact Shawn Tebo at (906) 293-3226 ext. 1102