CHILD FIND

If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the school counselor on the campus the child attends to learn about the overall general education referral or screening process for support services. Students having difficulty in the general education classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students including a process based on Response to Intervention (RTI). The implementation of RTI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of schools to meet the needs of all struggling students.

At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonable amount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If the evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must complete the evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent. The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.

If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent of their rights, and parents will be given a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards ­ Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.

In addition, Child Find applies not only to students who attend FISD schools and are residents of the district, but also to home school students and students attending a private school located within the district boundaries, including a religious school.

Should you need further information regarding child find or special education, please contact Karen Deshotel, Executive Director of Special Education, at 281-482-0687.